Sumter County Living

CONNECTING THROUGH CLAY

Local Artist, Levie Rainey Alfaro, opens new studio space, encouraging creativity and community.

Art AND BUSINESS OF Photography THE DAVID PARKS

Caring For The Whole Family’s Smile

By Rebekah McLeod

From Patient to Nursing Student: Lydia Anne Love Pursues Nursing Dream Thanks to GSW Scholarship

WWhen considering higher education, prospective college students and their families want to find quality programs at an affordable rate without breaking the bank. Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) helps make this possible through a variety of scholarship programs, including the GSW Alumni Legacy Scholarship. For freshman Lydia Anne Love of Americus, receiving this scholarship and being accepted into the Guaranteed Acceptance Program for GSW’s School of Nursing made her decision to attend GSW a no-brainer.

“I grew up in Americus and because my mom attended GSW for her three education degrees, I was able to apply for the Alumni Scholarship, which provides $1,000 each year,” says Lydia Anne. “I knew in middle school that I wanted to go into the medical field, and since GSW has the best nursing program in the state of Georgia, it just made sense for me to attend here.”

Lydia Anne discovered her passion for health care when she became a patient herself in 7th grade. At age 13, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), which came as a shock to Lydia Anne and her family. “I was sleeping 14 hours a day, making frequent trips to the bathroom at night, and losing a lot of weight,” she recalls. “My mom took me to the nurse practitioner’s office in Americus, and they thought I might be anemic. They drew some bloodwork and two days later called my mom and told her to bring me in immediately. I had to go to Columbus to meet with an endocrinologist. My blood sugar was around 700. I spent the entire next day learning how to give myself shots, manage my blood sugar, and meeting with a nutritionist.”

Lydia Anne had to make major adjustments in her diet, and her parents supported her by eating lower carb foods at home. Doctors gave her a Dexcom, a patch with a small needle attached to her arm, which allows Lydia Anne

to monitor her blood sugar on her phone. “I was scared and overwhelmed at first. I didn’t know what diabetes was at the time, because no one in my family had it. I had to change my whole diet. I was drinking Dr. Pepper and eating Reese’s cups every day…all that had to change.”

Lydia Anne adjusted quickly to her new lifestyle, and has used her health challenges to make a positive impact by speaking openly about her diagnosis. She even used it as her platform to spread awareness about T1D at some of the pageants in which she has competed and won, such as the Miss SAR (Southland Academy Raiders) Pageant as a freshman in high school.

Now as a sophomore in college at GSW, Lydia Anne is an active member of Kappa Delta, which is the same sorority where her mother served as president during her years at GSW. Lydia Anne is currently commuting to school from home, but is excited to move on campus this Fall and get the full college experience

In the meantime, she is busy studying biology, microbiology, and anatomy and preparing to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), and later, a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology. So far, Lydia Anne is loving college life: “My

“Because it’s a small town, GSW makes you feel right at home.”

professors are so helpful; they always encourage me to study, and if I have any questions, I can meet with them one-on-one. Because it’s a small town, GSW makes you feel right at home.”

As a result of Lydia Anne’s hard work in high school and graduating with a 3.51 GPA, she was able to receive the HOPE Scholarship in addition to other private scholarships. She is delighted to say she hasn’t taken out student loans or had to pay any out-of-pocket expenses meaning her first year of college at GSW has remained debt-free.

GSW is proud to support the dreams and aspirations of students like Lydia Anne by removing any financial barriers to achieving their educational goals. Thanks to support from generous donors, GSW is able to offer over $1 million in scholarships each year with the goal of raising an additional $1 million through Propel: GSW’s Campaign for Scholarships. By donating to Propel, you can help GSW students receive a quality education without being burdened by years of debt allowing them to go out and make their mark on the world. Leave your legacy by starting theirs. For more information on Propel and how to give, please visit gsw.edu/Propel.

Lydia Anne is a member of Kappa Delta, the same sorority her mother Angie served as president during her years at GSW.

Local Artist, Levie Rainey Alfaro, opens new studio space, encouraging creativity and community.

A House Full of Memories

Wes Beamon who, through his persistence and determination, has made a way for the “Sullivan House” to continue to stand with memories intact in ways that bless our community as well as Beamon Law Firm.

Play & Hay All Day

Everyone’s childhood dream looks a little different, but for those that get to live them out, the joy is all the same.

62 The Art and Business of Photography

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” ~ Steve Jobs

80 Bouncing Back or Lying In

Dating back thousands of years, lying-in gives mothers the chance to heal and bond with their babies while being fully supported and loved.

96 Stomping Out the Stigma

Beautiful Minds Clubhouse Supports Children and Adolescents Amidst Rising Rates of Mental Health Disorders.

110 Beauty from Ashes

The Scott Law Foundation exists to support local community members suffering any number of life-threatening illnesses.

126 Simply Healthy

Morph Health and Wellness owners, Dr. David Lawrence and his wife Caitlin, are driven by their own weight loss experiences to help you achieve your goals.

a better way to bank

OOur 8th grandchild will be arriving within the next two months! We are rejoicing once again!

For around 8 or more years our daughter has awaited the day she could become a mother.

We have had the honor of watching our middle daughter, Nikki, demonstrate an ongoing heart of gratitude while many years of waiting for this season. She continued to praise and thank God for her life and His goodness in every detail of her life. She looked for it in the tiniest detail and always managed to find it!

As her parents, we are beyond grateful for her ongoing example of always choosing to live a life of praise; even in the waiting, to the one who is truly Worthy!!!

113

With thankful hearts,

Jay and Patti Martin

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Sumter County living© is published semi-annually by With You in mind Publications. www.withyouinmindpublications.com P.O. Box 55 • Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-3045 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

Psalm

Story by REBEKAH MCLEOD

Connecting

Through Clay

SSince prehistoric times when humans discovered that applying heat to clay could form vessels for holding food and water, the art of ceramics has held deep meaning as a communal activity. Levie Rainey Alfaro, local artist and recent graduate of GSW’s Art Program, stumbled upon this truth accidentally as a child playing in the woods with her brothers.

Local Artist, Levie Rainey Alfaro, opens new studio space, encouraging creativity and community.

Levie, 23, grew up in Bronwood, Georgia (population 225), spending long hours digging in the ground and forming bowls, which her four brothers would help bake on grill pans over a small fire in the woods. As a homeschooled child whose family was largely unplugged from technology, Levie had no idea she was practicing an art form. “I was mainly drying out these crumbly, little, 60% clay, dirt balls,” she remembers, “but it’s something so foundational to humans to create...if we are made in the image of God, who’s a creator, then it’s something in our DNA.”

Levie’s mother, Rhonda Rainey, homeschooled all five children; her father, Bob Rainey, departed from a lineage of peanut farmers and opened what became a multi-location used car company. When Levie finished high school, her mother encouraged her to try out a semester at GSW to see if it was something Levie would enjoy. In the fall of 2015,

Levie sat down with a college advisor and mentioned she wanted to take a ceramics class, and the advisor—at the subsequent request of her mother—listed Levie as an Art major. (Her mother told Levie later she knew she wouldn’t stay in college unless she was immediately enrolled in art classes.) Upon receiving her first semester schedule, Levie was surprised to see Drawing, Art History, and 2D Design on her list of classes. Her mother clearly knew best. “I was obsessed,” says Levie, “and it was the first time I received affirmation from professional artists that I had potential...I was so incredibly sold.”

Levie thought she would become a painter, but in her third semester when she took her first ceramics class, she encountered a formidable challenge. “I ran into a brick wall. Before this, I was soaring through my art classes, and I felt

Levie explains, “I know I’m supposed to create. I’m always at my healthiest when I make myself go into a ceramics studio. When you go, you face God and you face yourself. There’s no faking it. When you’re making things, you’re thinking... reflecting on your life, on God, and asking yourself, ‘Out of all the chaos in the world, when COVID cases are raging, people are dying, countries are shutting down, I’m sitting here at a wheel making a bowl...in pretty much the same way people have done for thousands of years.”

like I had a handle on things. Ceramics was so hard, so time consuming, and you can never learn all there is to know. While being so hands on, it’s also hands off too. You put things in the kiln, and you have an idea of how it’s going to come out, but you don’t ever have full control.”

Fueled by the challenge and her competitive nature, Levie continued taking more classes in ceramics, discovering an endless curiosity for the medium. “I love paint and I see what I do with paint as more decorative, but I found clay to be so meaningful and beautiful...I love being in the lineage of people who have been working with clay since the beginning of time.”

Over the course of her studies, Levie dealt with many of the difficulties common to creative students—anxiety over meeting the expectations of professors, fear of failure, and

“Clay has always been made in community,” Levie explains.

“Functional pots were made in community—whether that was bowls for food or jugs to carry water from the well—and when you’re firing things in the kiln, you have to do it with a lot of different pieces of pottery...and so usually you have communities working together to fill it. You’re forced to create alongside people; it’s vulnerable, and it changes you.”

a stifling kind of perfectionism which halts creativity. “I felt that I had been chosen to be a star student, and I crumbled under the pressure,” admits Levie.

After going through counseling and dealing with her fears, Levie was able to refocus. She entered her senior year in the fall of 2019 mentally engaged and motivated to finish well. Ironically, after a miscommunication with a professor when Levie thought she was told she wasn’t good enough for graduate school, Levie felt a relief from the pressure of performing and decided to enjoy herself in the studio. She thrived through the first seven months of her senior year, creating more meaningful art than ever before.

Levie thought she would become a painter, but in her third semester when she took her first ceramics class, she encountered a formidable challenge.

“I ran into a brick wall. Before this, I was soaring through my art classes, and I felt like I had a handle on things. Ceramics was so hard, so time consuming, and you can never learn all there is to know. While being so hands on, it’s also hands off too. You put things in the kiln, and you have an idea of how it’s going to come out, but you don’t ever have full control.”

That same professor came back in February 2020 to tell Levie he would write her a recommendation for grad school if she was interested. Levie remembers that moment in vivid color: “I cried right there. That was the first time he saw me [really] want it, and it greatly affected my work in the studio.” With a fresh confidence, Levie signed up to attend the March NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) conference in Richmond, VA, which is the premier, yearly event for ceramics.

Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to COVID. A few weeks later, Levie and her fellow students were sent home, and the schools shut down. “We never went back.” says Levie. “At this point I was preparing for my senior show, so I had been making these pieces all year... the conceptual idea I had been working on for two or three years...so this was a huge culmination of five years of study. I was finally in the groove for the first time, and the rug was ripped out from under me.”

Because Levie was the only senior in the program at the time, the professors agreed to allow Levie to work on

campus. For about three weeks during quarantine, she worked in the studio nonstop; even so, most of the pieces remained unfired and unglazed, as she was not able to finish them. “I lost my momentum,” Levie recalls. “I was so frustrated that COVID took it away from me. Although many of the seniors were able to come back and have their senior art exhibits, I chose not to do it. I’m still mad at myself for it.”

Levie graduated without a public ceremony in the spring of 2020 and by early 2021, she was taking prerequisite courses for graduate school in art therapy, working at a coffee shop and planning her wedding after a whirlwind romance with filmmaker, Ben Alfaro. After their May nuptials, Levie decided to take some time off and enjoy her new life. With rest came a fresh perspective, and Levie returned from that season with a desire to build a physical space where she could practice her art and share its healing power with others.

Levie explains, “I know I’m supposed to create. I’m always at my healthiest when I make myself go into a ceramics studio. When you go, you face God and you face yourself. There’s no faking it. When you’re making things, you’re thinking...reflecting on your life, on God, and asking yourself, ‘Out of all the chaos in the world, when COVID cases are raging, people are dying, countries are shutting down, I’m sitting here at a wheel making a bowl...in pretty much the same way people have done for thousands of years. Why?’ People come to all different types

of conclusions; there’s not one answer, but it’s something that makes you pause, especially when you can go to Walmart or Target and buy what appears to be a handmade ceramic bowl.”

Levie’s father has been a great supporter of her idea to launch her own studio. He had purchased a historical building in Dawson in 2012 for his car company, and it happened to be one the company was vacating in 2021. Levie is currently in the process of renovating the building; she is hopeful it will be completed by early 2022. Her dream is for the studio to

eventually become a community art center where people can engage creatively alongside one another.

“Clay has always been made in community,” Levie explains. “Functional pots were made in community—whether that was bowls for food or jugs to carry water from the well—and when you’re firing things in the kiln, you have to do it with a lot of different pieces of pottery...and so usually you have communities working together to fill it. You’re forced to create alongside people; it’s vulnerable, and it changes you.” SCL

We are a faith family who desires to reflect the love of God to you through all we are and all we do. Our prayer is that you would encounter the truth and grace of Jesus Christ the moment you arrive until you drive off our campus. Here at Central, we are committed to making disciples of all nations. We want to encourage everyone to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Spiritual growth occurs as we Connect to God through Worship, Connect to Others through small groups and Connect to the World through missions and ministry. Should the Lord lead you to connect with us, we will welcome you into our faith family!

OUR SERVICES

SUNDAY

8:30 AM- Small Groups (without childcare or youth)

9:30 AM- Corporate Worship Service

11:00 AM- Small Groups (with childcare and youth)

WEDNESDAY

5:00 PM- Refuge - prayer gathering

5:00 PM- Chick-fil-A Meal (must register)

6:00 PM- 5 on 5 (men)

6:00 PM- Flourish (ladies)

6:00 PM- AWANA, Student Worship for Youth

6:00 PM- Pastor’s Bible Study

Join us for in-person worship service at 9:30 am. Small groups meet at 8:30 am and 11:00 am.

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a house full of memories

Written by Lisa Holloway | Photos by David Parks Photography

Wes Beamon, who through his persistence and determination, has made a way for the “Sullivan House” to continue to stand with memories intact in ways that bless our community as well as Beamon Law Firm.

MMehmet Murat Ildan once said, “Old houses are full with memories and that’s why they resist collapse!” For the house at 504 Millard Fuller Boulevard, which now houses the law office of Wes Beamon, Esq., nothing could be more accurate. From the moment one walks onto the porch and through the door, the house greets visitors with its own unique personality. I sat down with Wes to find out the history of the house as well as how he has brought it back to life.

Wes began his career as a firefighter and remains a certified firefighter of 27 years, as well as a certified paramedic of 23 years. However, in 2013, with the support and encouragement of his wife, Deanna, he entered Mercer Law School. As his education progressed and his dream of being a lawyer was within reach, he began looking for a space in Americus to practice. On a whim, he reached out to the owner of the “Sullivan House”, William Herron from Webster County, and stated his case for purchasing the home. When

he finished his explanation, Mr. Herron told him that he and his wife had recently prayed for guidance about selling the home that had been in his family for almost 90 years and shortly after, Wes called. Realizing God had answered the prayer, the deal was sealed and the work began.

of shooting a soldier with buckshot in his vineyard on South Dudley. Local citizens pooled together to pay the fine. While renovating the home, Wes and Deanna found a letter written by Mr. Sullivan which is framed and hanging on the wall in the main meeting room of the office. This was one of many treasures that were uncovered in the almost four-year renovation process.

As we walked through the home-turned-office, Wes was quick to give credit to their family and friends who assisted in the restoration, with all but the heating and air system and the new roof being completed by those closest to the family. He recalled how he and Deanna

spent many nights in a camper parked out front of the home so that they could work well into the night. They were very intentional about using as much of the structure of the home in the renovation and were blessed to find many relics in and under the home that are used to preserve its history.

As I entered the office, I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who sits at a massive wooden desk made from reclaimed wood that was found under the house. To the left is a large meeting room with a beautiful wooden table made from one of the walls of the original home. In addition, a small table that was found in the barn behind the home is used as

decoration. The light fixture over the table is made from a beam in the original house and held up by a pulley belonging to Deanna’s family. Wes proudly pointed out that Deanna is the creative genius behind the decorations and was able to visualize how to preserve and use much of the original home in various ways. One interesting piece made by Deanna that adorns the wall of the room is a justice scale made from reclaimed wood, tin, and wire found in the contents of the old home.

In addition to what was found from the Sullivan and Herron family, as well as one other

Mehmet Murat Ildan once said, “Old houses are full with memories and that’s why they resist collapse!”

For the house at 504 Millard Fuller Boulevard, which now houses the law office of Wes Beamon, Esq., nothing could be more accurate. From the moment one walks onto the porch and through the door, the house greets visitors with its own unique personality. I sat down with Wes to find out the history of the house as well as how he has brought it back to life.

owner whose name is unknown, many items throughout the home hold special meaning to Wes’s family. For example, in the main room, there is an old manual typewriter that belonged to Deanna’s family as well as a “Lawyer’s Scales of Justice” that was given to Wes by his aunt.

Throughout the house, there are many pieces that hold significance regarding the history of the home. Many were found inside, under, and behind the house in an old barn that Wes hopes to renovate in the near future for more office space. Some of the most interesting include old CocaCola bottles that are stamped with Americus, Ga, vintage toy trucks made by hand, a giant gourd, old washboards, and unopened motor oil cans from

years ago. Old picture frames and mirrors are used throughout the office. Wes pointed out a mirror that was hung in the hallway that coincidentally, when looking back at old pictures, is in the exact location it hung years ago.

Any items the Beamon’s could salvage were used in some way in the house. An old galvanized sink covered with a barn door to make a table, heart pine wood, marred by char marks from holding a chimney serving as a bathroom vanity, a painted wooden piece from the early 1900s resembling a fire screen, and a photo of former US Presidents dated in 1901 are a few of the pieces that evoke conversation. Many old car tags were recovered, including a set of tags with the same numbers, labeled front and back from the early 1900s.

One of the most interesting finds during the renovation process was discovered when the walls of one room were being restored. Wes revealed that one of the former tenants was a tailor and the walls and ceilings had been covered with material to act as insulation. When the dry-rotted material was removed, the original walls were in pristine condition, never having been painted, and are left in that condition today.

Every room in the office is touched with some relic from the past. The kitchen was remodeled and crown molding from other parts of the house is used in the cabinetry. The sink came from Wes’s family home where it was used for years outside to clean fish. A small bureau in one of the bathrooms was recovered from the original house and is marked with “Allison Furniture Company, 1900”. One might recognize the name from the historic building in downtown Americus where this company was located.

To get to Wes’s office, we climbed a beautifully restored staircase which is one of the few things not original to the home. The stair case was recovered from a local project Wes’s father-in-law was working on, moved and reworked to fit perfectly in the space. The office upstairs boasts of memorabilia of Wes’s time as a firefighter and his service in the Marine Corps, as well as an old kerosene heater found in the house that has been converted into a lamp.

Wes shared with me that he shares his office space with what he believes to be a resident ghost. A small door leading to the attic, which he proved was very difficult to open by mortals, will often swing open on it’s on. He was able to catch this phenomenon on camera during a Zoom meeting during COVID isolation. From all indications, the invisible “friend” is content with what has happened to his home place and dwells peacefully with the new owners.

Wes shared with me a framed quote beginning with “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence” that was given to him by a former Director of Bar Admissions, Mr. Sammons, after Wes advocated for improvements in the technology used in administering the bar exam. His persistence would not only affect himself, but also those who came after him. The quote ends with “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent”. This quote is an accurate motto for the Beamon family who, through their persistence and determination, has made a way for the “Sullivan House” to continue to stand with memories intact in ways that bless our community as well as Beamon Law Firm.  SCL

The home is located on the corner of Dudley and Millard Fuller Boulevard and was originally built by Thomas C. Sullivan in 1837. Mr. Sullivan was the 2nd Major of Americus and a local attorney. In 1865, he was court martialed and was convicted by the US Army of shooting a soldier with buckshot in his vineyard on South Dudley. Local citizens pooled together to pay the fine. While renovating the home, Wes and Deanna found a letter written by Mr. Sullivan which is framed and hanging on the wall in the main meeting room of the office. This was one of many treasures that were uncovered in the almost four-year renovation process.

&Play Hay All Day

Written by Alexa Tebben | Photos by David

CCasie Rowland, owner of Two Goat Farm, talks about her journey from animal lover to farm owner. “I knew since I was a little girl that I wanted to have lots of animals,” she recalls.

“I remember going to my papa’s house, when I was younger, where he raised various types of chickens and other birds that he would sell. I was so excited to go to his house and see the animals.”

Everyone’s childhood dream looks a little different, but for those that get to live them out, the joy is all the same.

Parks Photography

Between all the work, play, and hay, there is never a dull moment. “I may not be living everybody’s dream, but I am certainly living my dream!” Casie says. “I would encourage anyone that feels this same way about animals to visit other farms and ask a lot of questions.”

The more time Casie spent with her papa’s chickens, rabbits, and pigs, the more she knew she wanted farm animals for herself. When she and her husband, Levi, bought their property in November 2009, Casie knew it was time to make her dreams her reality.

“By January of 2010, we had two goats,” Casie says proudly. “That’s how the name, Two Goat Farm, came about. My husband would jokingly say, ‘It’s a two-goat farm.’” For 10 years, Casie maintained her small two-goat farm while she learned the ropes of caring for the animals.

Over the past three years, she has largely expanded her farm to include a wide variety of animals. Today, Casie boasts five fainting goats, two angora goats, three ponies, two donkeys, a potbelly pig, a kunekune pig, a mini western heritage cow, chickens, a rabbit, five dogs, and two cats.

not going to keep them, I will sell them. But it’s just for fun. Selling them here and there is just a bonus,” she says.

Casie talks of her farm animals as extensions of her very own family. Every day, she lives her childhood dream of taking care of the farm. She shares the joy it brings her to wander outside and love on what she refers to as her own personal little pets.

In addition to the joy of having the animals, Casie enjoys some added benefits of farm life. “The best part of the animals is the eggs from the chickens because they taste better than any store-bought eggs,” she says. “And with the price of store bought eggs now, that’s helpful too.”

Casie milks her goats and describes the result with animated enthusiasm. “It’s easy to digest, it tastes good, and it’s creamy,” she says. “I use it in my coffee as a creamer and in a shake.”

While Casie enjoys the eggs and milk from her chickens and goats, she refuses to sacrifice the life of one of her beloved creatures for food. “I’m not against eating animals, I just can’t eat my own,” she says decidedly. “My husband raised a cow and hogs for processing, but I didn’t look at them or talk to them like how I am literally out there petting my animals several times a day.”

The distinction between beloved pet and tonight’s dinner is quite clear for Casie. “I love to eat goat meat – it tastes good – but there is

Casie’s son enjoys collecting feathers and abandoned bird’s nests with her. To make these items accessible to interested parties, Casie has created an Etsy site called Two Goat Farm Shop where she sells and ships various treasures from her farm. “I have a lot of wild hickory trees and I sell the nuts all over the country,” she says. “It is hard to break the shell and the nut inside is the tiniest little nut, but people buy them like crazy.”

no way I could pick a goat to raise up to eat.” It is entirely understandable that the bond she creates with her farm pets is one that she treasures in this way.

Casie talks about the difficulties of running a farm and the unexpected challenges she has encountered over the years. “You expect that when you get into this, you can’t really go out-of-town for a long period of time because you have to check on the animals and feed the animals, and make sure nobody’s head is stuck in a fence,” she says laughing. Perhaps what Casie did not expect were the unexpected vet bills, the upkeep of vaccines, deworming, and

“We breed the fainting goats and the angora goats,” Casie says. She is also hopeful that her cow will have a calf soon. While Casie runs the farm purely for enjoyment, she does sell her goats from time to time. “If I’m not going to keep them, I will sell them. But it’s just for fun. Selling them here and there is just a bonus,” she says.

other routine care required to maintain the health of your animals.

At one time, Casie decided to add alpacas to her farm and tragically lost two of them within a month of each other. The sudden loss of both alpacas shook her, but she found a glimpse of perspective from a fellow alpaca farmer. “He said, ‘You have to understand that as long as you have livestock, you’re going to have deadstock,’” Casie tells me. “They are going to die. Sometimes it will be expected [and other times] it will be unexpected.”

At the price of experiencing these losses from time to time, Casie enjoys the life she nurtures while granted the chance. She also enjoys sharing the animals with the community. “We did a couple of birthday parties with a baby pig, baby cow, and baby goats,” she says. “We had them in the parade in Lee County and we also did a spring festival in Ellaville.”

Knowing that owning farm animals is not feasible for all people, Casie is happy to share her animals with fellow

animal lovers. “It’s fun to show people them. Some kids never get to see animals like that.”

Casie and her husband have two teenage daughters and a nine-year-old son. Their oldest daughter has taken the animals to the special needs children at the schools in Lee County. “They like the animals,” Casie says. “My son is the one that is mostly out there helping me – my little farm chore sidekick.”

Casie is proud to serve clients on a global scale having shipped items from places like California all the way to Italy. When she is not tending to her farm animals or operating her Etsy shop, she works as a labor and delivery nurse and

owns the Love at First Sight ultrasound studio in Americus.

Like Casie, you could find your ultimate joy and peace in pursuing what you love. SCL

Historic Inn & Antique Mall

Experience the Magic Plains

SHOP • CELEBRATE • STAY

Below the Inn, enjoy shopping for antiques in the mall featuring display cases and over 25 booths!

STORY BY JENNIFER DEMARO | PHOTOS BY DAVID PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY

The of Photography Business and Art

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” ~ Steve Jobs

iIt takes courage to change career paths. Making a momentous change can be a difficult decision because it often involves stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and taking a risk and that is exactly what David Parks did. David went to college to become a physical education teacher and realized during his required student teaching practicum that his heart was not in it. He recognized his true calling was for photography, so he re-directed his energy into getting a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing, knowing it would help with his new direction, and he has not looked back since.

David is a native of Americus, Georgia, where he still lives with his wife of 11 years and three young boys. Though David changed his profession, he still managed to marry a teacher. His wife is a special education teacher at a charter school in Americus. David’s parents live close by and are also imbedded in the community as his dad is a preacher and his mom is a schoolteacher. Small towns often have a tight-knit community where people know each other, and there is a sense of

familiarity and comfort, and Americus fits that description. “With the support of my family and the community, I have been able to pursue my dreams,” David said. Since David’s original path was to be a teacher, he had to change gears and find a teacher and that new teacher was YouTube. YouTube emerged on the technological scene in 2005, but as its popularity grew, it morphed into what it is today, a valuable resource for learning and expanding knowledge on a wide variety of topics. Luckily for David, he was able to have tutorials and educational lectures at his fingertips to start building his craft. “I am a self-taught photographer and owe YouTube for providing me with my initial knowledge base that I have been able to build upon through time,” David said. In 2011, David Parks Photography was established and he has been building his reputation as a successful photographer since.

All photographers have those special or unique photo shoots that stand out. “There are many that stand out for the wrong reasons, like a groom not showing up for his wedding, but working with former President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter for editorial shoots is up there on my most special moments,” David said. Since the Carter’s are from Plains, GA, a stone’s throw from Americus, it was even more special for David to be selected to work with them at events and magazine shoots. These opportunities made it possible for David to meet interesting people and to network for his business.

David started out doing portrait and wedding photography, but has more recently switched his focus and talents to commercial and editorial photography. David got this transformative opportunity when a fellow photographer was retiring that he had done some commercial work for; he asked David to take over his client base. This new direction has opened more doors to expand his business. “I now have clients that spread across Georgia to include bigger cities like Atlanta,” he said.

Though David still does weddings and occasional portrait sessions, his focus is on transitioning to commercial and branding photography which requires a shift in focus and approach to his business. To make a successful transition, it is important to have a strong understanding of branding and marketing principles, as well as an ability to collaborate closely with clients to bring their vision to life. This venture allows

David to capture the essence of a brand, product, or story through visual imagery. Luckily, his earlier decision to switch gears in his educational endeavors to a business and marketing degree was a blessing in disguise as it has provided him with a solid foundation to run a successful business.

One of the biggest benefits from having his own photography business is that David has the privilege of having flexibility in his schedule. David enjoys the bond he has with his children and as a photographer has the flexibility with his hours to be present for his children’s milestones. He also has time to give back to the community as a volunteer little league baseball coach. It is not lost on David that he is blessed to be able to be there for his family and have a successful career. “I give a lot of credit to my wife and parents for supporting me through the years,” David said.

It takes courage to change career paths. Making a momentous change can be a difficult decision because it often involves stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and taking a risk and that is exactly what David Parks did.

David pursues his passion for photography, not only professionally, but as a hobby. “I enjoy taking landscape pictures even when it’s not work, especially when traveling. I consider that more of a hobby than part of my job,” David said. Small road trips are a family past time and that would also include going to as many Atlanta Braves games as they can. You can bet that David always has his camera to capture those unexpected and spontaneous moments with family and friends. Whether on vacation or at work, his passion and expertise behind the lens is always reflected in his images. Creating images that stand the test of time is always a goal of a photographer.

up there on my most special moments,” David said. Since the Carter’s are from Plains, GA, a stone’s throw from Americus, it was even more special for David to be selected to work with them at events and magazine shoots. These opportunities made it possible for David to meet interesting people and to network for his business.

Having a photography business faces several challenges, including technological advances, competition, and the evolving nature of the industry.

Technological advancements have made photography more accessible than ever before, with smartphones and affordable cameras allowing more people to become amateur photographers. Despite these challenges, David’s artistic skill, technical expertise, adaptability, and strong business sense make him stand out and his work is a testament to what it is to be a professional photographer.

To check out David Parks Photography, visit his website at www.davidparksphotography.com and check out his Instagram @dvidparks. SCL

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We offer a variety of facility-based and home-based programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and addictive disease.

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Bouncing or Lying In back

Dating back thousands of years, lying-in gives mothers the chance to heal and bond with their babies while being fully supported and loved.

WWith all the pressure put on mothers to bounce back quickly, “lying-in” is a beautiful, cultural tradition across many countries that America would benefit in adopting. Dating back thousands of years, lying-in gives mothers the chance to heal and bond with their babies while being fully supported and loved. Most mothers are very prepared for pregnancy and delivery. Routine prenatal visits and stories shared across the generations

give mothers a glimpse of what to expect. Many women, however, are surprised by the postpartum period. Television ads and images across social media showcase clean and beautiful women doting on their baby. We scroll our social media feeds and see professional photos of clean homes, a happy smiling mother, and a healthy baby.

What we do not see is the sore, achy, tired, worried, obsessed, exhausted mother holding

Nourishment, safety, peace, calm, support, for both mother and baby, is important. It is the exact opposite of bouncing back. Taking the time to heal and just “be” can be very hard and feel wrong. This is lying-in, the lost cultural art that modern America must master, actually honors and respects the woman for the powerhouse she is

and attempting to breastfeed her tiny newborn. We do not see her mind worrying about the stack of clothes that need to be washed. We are not there when she realizes at 4 PM that she hasn’t eaten all day. We do not see her tears after two days without a shower.

Woman-to-Woman care or postpartum lying-in consists of particular postpartum rituals solely purposed to allow mother to heal and baby to bond and thrive…basically mothering the mother, so she can mother her baby. Organized support such as prepared meals, periods of rest, someone to clean the home, hygiene practices, instruction and visits from professionals related to

infant care and breastfeeding offer mental and physical support that promote healing and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

The postpartum period is a time for a family to begin their new role and adopt their familial lifestyle.

It is a time of navigation, research, trial and error. This time period often finds mothers feeling incapable and insecure. “The first weeks after giving birth can be blissful; they can also be isolating, stressful, exhausting, and lacking in vital nutrition—four factors that contribute to postpartum depression,” says Heng Ou in Why You Should Try Lying in Postpartum.

To the busy and professional woman, this might seem lazy or too slow. Being a forceful and powerful woman that can do it all is the American way of life. All of this “care” can seem old-fashioned. Women “don’t need anyone” and asking for help can be seen as a weakness. But it is also possible that adopting this mindset has strained the mother/child bond.

Offering a mother the opportunity to rest in bed with her newborn while her household is still up and running removes many pressures and fears. Most cultures believe that a mother should not be left alone in the house without a support system for at least four weeks. During this time she is encouraged to rest with her baby, eat nutritious meals, shower, and heal. Her mother, family, or friends are present to ensure the home is running. If she has a question, a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, or other mother/ baby professional is visiting once a day to check in and address concerns. This support gives mothers the confidence they need to thrive in their new role. It reinforces that mothers absolutely know best what their baby needs as it promotes and strengthens bonding. It allows the mother uninterrupted (supported) time to

The postpartum period is a time for a family to begin their new role and adopt their familial lifestyle. It is a time of navigation, research, trial and error. This time period often finds mothers feeling incapable and insecure. “The first weeks after giving birth can be blissful; they can also be isolating, stressful, exhausting, and lacking in vital nutrition—four factors that contribute to postpartum depression,” says Heng Ou in Why You Should Try Lying in Postpartum.

learn her newborn’s cries and cues and gives her newborn the security and safety he/she needs in this big new world to settle into. After all, babies are most familiar with their mothers scent and voice. Mother is “home” for her baby. Too much outside noise can interrupt their chance to become intimately familiar with one another.

Most mothers are very prepared for pregnancy and delivery. Routine prenatal visits and stories shared across the generations give mothers a glimpse of what to expect. Many women, however, are surprised by the postpartum period. Television ads and images across social media showcase clean and beautiful women doting on their baby. We scroll our social media feeds and see professional photos of clean homes, a happy smiling mother, and a healthy baby.

Rachel Price is a Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding Counselor/Educator, Birth and Postpartum Doula. She is the founder of At LAST. SCL

Take the first step today towards living a life free from addiction

We help women to overcome past obstacles, to develop improved relationships, and more importantly to develop their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

An addiction recovery program that works for you. The Promise of Hope System helps you live a life of freedom through faith. Learn more about living a life free from addiction.

Promise of Hope Tattnall serves as a faith-based long-term recovery residence for women. We offer nine month and yearly recovery programs for women over 18 years of age.

Your recovery process with us will include weekly church attendance on Sundays, consistent AA and NA 12-step programs, and fellowship with others in recovery. Classes will be provided during recovery, including subjects such as life skills, boundaries, education, insight meetings, and re-lapse prevention. Regular Bible study will be observed as well as several outside group activities.

Most important, we will do our best to provide a much needed safe space for your recovery here at Promise of Hope Tattnall. Your recovery needs and your recovery pace will be heard, considered and recognized. Join us and take those precious first steps towards a life free from addiction and abuse.

City Of Andersonville

Story by Rebekah McLeod | Photos by David Parks Photography

Stomping out the Stigma

Beautiful Minds Clubhouse Supports Children and Adolescents Amidst Rising Rates of Mental Health Disorders.

OOne of the many effects of the lingering COVID pandemic is a growing crisis in mental health among children and adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association—groups that collectively represent 70,000 doctors in the U.S.—released a joint statement in October 2021 emphasizing the effects of isolation, grief, fear and uncertainty, and the toll it has taken on our children and teens. The CDC reports that between March and October of 2020, Emergency Room visits for children with mental health emergencies rose by 24% for ages 5-11 and by 31% for ages 12-17. In early 2021, there was a 50% increase in suicide attempts among girls 12-17.

It can be a daunting task as a parent to both recognize and accept the fact that your child is struggling with situational depression and anxiety or worse, a chronic mental illness. Even more daunting can be reaching out to find the help your child needs, whether through therapy or in-school programs, especially since many schools have undergone multiple closures during the past two years. Thankfully, there are heroes on the frontline of this cause; men and women who have dedicated their lives to investing in helping and healing the malleable, young minds of our next generation;

people like Mario Mitchell, Program Manager at the Beautiful Minds Clubhouse of Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare in Americus, Georgia.

Mario, 47, was hired as an outpatient therapist by Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare in late 2020 and moved into the role of Program Manager of the Beautiful Minds Clubhouse just two months later, in January 2021. With a Master’s Degree in Psychology and 19 years’ experience as a therapist and director at Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice, he had very good reasons for transitioning to working with younger children: “I’ve seen first-hand the end result of our teenagers going to prison,” he says. “I wanted to come to the beginning of the issue and help. The young mind is something you want to mold, and my team agrees with that concept—we want to mold them in a positive direction.”

The Beautiful Minds Clubhouse is an after-school resource for any child/teen,

When asked about the positive impact he has noticed in the kids who regularly utilize the Clubhouse resources, Mario comments, “We have monthly meetings for our parents—called Parent Alliance—and when you hear parents say what the Beautiful Minds Clubhouse has done for their child…they see a difference at home…and then you hear the staff bragging on the same child who used to be shy and is now leading class discussions…you know you’re making a difference.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the end result of our teenagers going to prison,” he says. “I wanted to come to the beginning of the issue and help. The young mind is

something you want to mold, and my team agrees with that concept—we want to mold them in a positive direction.”

ages 6-16 within Sumter County, who has undergone an assessment by a therapist or psychiatrist and is struggling with mental health. Although the Clubhouse has been in operation for five years, Mario’s entry into his managerial role coincided with the rising rates of mental health disorders due to the stresses of COVID. The majority of the issues they see in kids are ADHD, anxiety, depression, being bullied and social anxiety.

The kids referred to the Clubhouse program who live within Sumter County are bused from school, and homeschooled kids can be brought to the Clubhouse by their caregivers. The Clubhouse has in-house therapists who work with the children; they also offer snacks and dinner and a plethora of engaging activities. The

facility is spacious, clean, painted in bright, energetic colors and boasts a gymnasium, a game room complete with pool and air hockey tables, a computer lab, and classrooms.

Mario insists one of the biggest challenges he faces is helping parents overcome the stigma of mental health diagnoses: “Mental health could be stress, anxiety (everyone goes through that these days)... schools are open, then closed…that’s an adjustment disorder right there.” On Facebook, Mario encourages the community to “Stomp Out the Stigma” of mental health.

In addition to their resources for younger kids, the Beautiful Minds Clubhouse has a separate program

While it has been a challenge to offer services consistently during COVID, Mario insists they have been able to adjust effectively and continue to provide quality care to their clients. Their facility is sanitized daily, they offer phone and telemedicine appointments in case there are incidents of COVID exposure, and when the schools were shut down again recently, they switched the schedule and had the kids come earlier in the day.

called Elevate for teens from 1618, which follows them through to graduation and focuses on teaching life-skills, career building, and peer relationships. Also housed at the facility is APEX, a program focused on assisting kids with more serious diagnoses during the school day. APEX works to get the kids’ conditions stabilized so they can also participate in the afternoon Clubhouse offerings.

Since the start of the pandemic, Mario has witnessed kids of all ages falling behind in school as much as two to three grade levels. These kids are at increased chances for bullying, stress and anxiety. Part of Mario’s job as the Program Manager is to get involved with the community to bring awareness to the importance of mental health and the need for volunteers to help with tutoring and mentoring. Volunteer tutors at the Clubhouse help the kids with homework; volunteer mentors spend time with the kids, show positivity, and offer career encouragement for older kids.

While it has been a challenge to offer services consistently during COVID, Mario insists they have been able to adjust effectively and

continue to provide quality care to their clients. Their facility is sanitized daily, they offer phone and telemedicine appointments in case there are incidents of COVID exposure, and when the schools were shut down again recently, they switched the schedule and had the kids come earlier in the day.

For more information on The Beautiful Minds Clubhouse, or any of the 12 other programs like it in the State of Georgia, go to http://www.middleflintbhc.org/ or https://dbhdd. georgia.gov/.  SCL

from Ashes Beauty

The Scott Law Foundation exists to support local community members suffering any number of life-threatening illnesses.

Story

ALEXA TEBBEN

EEvery year, seemingly healthy people are diagnosed with devastating illnesses that plague them with exorbitant hospital bills and exhausting treatments as they battle for their precious lives. The Scott Law Foundation exists to support local community members suffering any number of these life-threatening illnesses.

Tracy Law, physical therapist and co-owner of Accelerated Physical Therapy, shares one man’s touching story that inspired the good deeds of this foundation. Along with his business partner, Alex Saratsiotis, Tracy set out to honor the life of his younger brother, Scott, who passed away of brain cancer in 2007.

A local firefighter for Sumter County, a routine response to a fire call in 2003 turned his life upside down. The crew had extinguished a church fire and was

| Photos by Smitt Photography

Three firemen, Roger Bivins, Greg Barfield, and Terry Westbury, serve on The Scott Law Foundation’s Board of Directors. Fred Richmond, Michele Ragsdale, and Bryan McMichael also serve on the board alongside Tracy and Alex. Each board member proudly participates in this event year after year.

verifying it was entirely out when a portion of the ceiling fell on Scott. He suffered a concussion and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. While he did not sustain any long-term damage from the accident that day, a CT scan revealed the presence of a brain tumor.

“We rallied around him to support him,” Tracy recalls of those early days. As there were no other indications of the illness, the diagnosis was a shock to Scott and his family. Initially, the tumor was thought to be treatable. However, it was later discovered to be Glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive tumor. Scott underwent treatment and continued to work as a fireman until he was unable.

The Shamrock Jog and Jam Race consist of a 5K and a one mile fun run. It garners roughly 200 runners each year who are thrilled to help sick community members through their participation. “It’s a night race, so usually we start around 5:30 PM or 6 PM,” Tracy says. The race takes place downtown Americus which allows for the involvement of the entire community. “You run by the Windsor, and business owners are waving and cheering them on as they go. It’s just a happy, joyous time on a March afternoon.”

working. These hindrances can make a challenging situation seem unbearable, and Tracy wanted to help.

Alex, Tracy’s business partner, was similarly moved by Scott’s story and wished to join Tracy in this endeavor. “Alex and I decided we wanted to do something in Scott’s memory after he passed away,” Tracy recalls. At the foundation’s very core, Tracy explains, “We wanted to help anybody that needed it.”

In 2011, they created The Scott Law Foundation to raise funds for terminally ill community members in need of financial assistance. Since then, The Scott Law Foundation has donated over $130,000 to 174 recipients. Their main fundraising project is the annual Shamrock Jog and Jam Race they host every March. “Most of our races raise anywhere from $12,000 to $13,000,” Tracy says proudly.

The Shamrock Jog and Jam Race consist of a 5K and a one mile fun run. It garners roughly 200 runners each year who are thrilled

“In 2005, he married a young lady name Rebecca Webb,” Tracy says. “They had known each other for years. She was a nurse and took care of him during his treatment.”

Rebecca’s steadfast love and devotion were unwavering as Scott’s health continued to decline. At the increase of headaches and seizures that accompanied the brain tumor, Scott eventually had to give up his work to focus on his health. Benevolently, the fire department raised funds to allow Rebecca to stay home as Scott’s primary caretaker.

In January of 2007, when Scott was just 36 years old, the brain cancer tragically claimed his life. Utterly heartbroken by the loss of his younger brother, Tracy was moved to help others battling life-threatening illnesses.

to help sick community members through their participation. “It’s a night race, so usually we start around 5:30 PM or 6 PM,” Tracy says. The race takes place downtown Americus which allows for the involvement of the entire community. “You run by the Windsor, and business owners are waving and cheering them on as they go. It’s just a happy, joyous time on a March afternoon.”

In addition to participating firemen, police officers construct barricades to keep traffic away from the runners. When the race is complete, an awards ceremony is held at Lenny’s Market. “We have first, second, and third place in numerous age groups for male and female, an overall winner, overall winner male, overall winner female, and overall senior winner male and female over age 50,” Tracy says.

“For our one mile fun run, all the kids get a medal.” Children under 12 are met with a smiling face and a medallion necklace as they cross the finish line. The excitement they exude boasts the pride they feel in their accomplishment.

Each year, the event is well anticipated by a community of people who believe in the great cause they stand behind. It brings Tracy and everyone else involved in the foundation immense joy to distribute donations to those suffering nearby.

Tracy explains the process of getting the donations to those in need. “When we get a request for a donation, the board responds affirmatively and I mail out a check to the recipient’s home. Sometimes we’ll even have others deliver the check – maybe the person who requested the check,” he says. “It’s been very meaningful.”

A local firefighter for Sumter County, a routine response to a fire call in 2003 turned his life upside down. The crew had extinguished a church fire and was verifying it was entirely out when a portion of the ceiling fell on Scott. He suffered a concussion and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. While he did not sustain any long-term damage from the accident that day, a CT scan revealed the presence of a brain tumor.

Recalling a story from the time of Scott’s illness, Tracy shares the beauty of restoration their family experienced many years ago. “During this bad time, something wonderful happened,” he says. “Years earlier, Scott was dating a girl named Rachel and she became pregnant.”

When the relationship between Scott and Rachel did not work out, she moved away to Charleston with her family. There she met a man who wanted to marry her and adopt their little girl named Lindsey. Wanting nothing but Rachel’s happiness, Scott agreed to sign off on the adoption. “When Scott got diagnosed and there was

relationships as they used this opportunity to celebrate life. Today, Tracy and the rest of the Law family keep in touch with Lindsey who lives with her husband in Colorado Springs. Tracy reflects fondly on those events sharing what a blessing that relationship has been for their family.

While nothing and no one can ever take the place of their beloved Scott, his life and the events since his passing remind us of the beauty that can come from ashes. In his honor, hundreds of people have been blessed and encouraged in times of despair.

Tracy is grateful for the opportunity to continue his brother’s legacy of helping others. They accept donations year-round and appreciate the good work that the generosity of the community allows them to perform. SCL

Every year, seemingly healthy people are diagnosed with devastating illnesses that plague them with exorbitant hospital bills and exhausting treatments as they battle for their precious lives. The Scott Law Foundation exists to support local community members suffering any number of these life-threatening illnesses.

BY ALEXA TEBBEN

Simply Healthy

Morph Health and Wellness owners, Dr. David Lawrence and his wife Caitlin, are driven by their own weight loss experiences to help you achieve your goals.

EEmbarking on a journey towards better health does not have to be overwhelming or stressful.

Morph Health and Wellness owners, Dr. David Lawrence and his wife Caitlin, are driven by their own weight loss experiences to help you achieve your goals.

In September of 2022, the couple turned their passion into their business when they created Morph Health and Wellness. The modern new age telemedicine company offers weight loss therapy, peptide therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, testosterone therapy, sexual

| PHOTOS BY PAIGE KNUDSEN AND THE LAWRENCE FAMILY

wellness and hair restoration. Their entire team of professionals is passionate about improving the health of their patients. Since starting Morph Health and Wellness, they have produced groundbreaking results that have drastically altered patients’ lives for the better.

While it has grown to help hundreds of people nationwide, Morph Health and Wellness began as a lifestyle change for Dr. Lawrence and Caitlin. “It was never necessarily intended on being a business, we really did it for ourselves and our family,” Caitlin shares.

Through their friends and family, word began to spread on the incredible results this process produced. Those who witnessed the life changing improvements in Dr. Lawrence and Caitlin’s health encouraged them to pour their knowledge and expertise into a business to help others. Before long, they were up and running as Morph Health and Wellness.

Dr. Lawrence shares details of his personal health journey that ultimately inspired them

Dr. Lawrence and Caitlin are thrilled by the number of people whose lives are

to start their practice. An ER doctor by trade, Dr. Lawrence was thrown into action with the rise of COVID-19. For their health and wellbeing, Caitlin took their baby boy to live with her parents during the height of the pandemic.

“[There was] a lot of pain, suffering, a lot

tears, as well as a lot of eating and weight gain for everybody across America,” Dr. Lawrence says. While everyone took to the indoors, many people became more sedentary which led to a decline of people’s health. Dr. Lawrence and Caitlin experienced this firsthand.

After a time, Dr. Lawrence decided to regain control of his health. “We needed to get back to ourselves, so I decided that getting healthy [would become] a big part of my life,” he says. Together, the couple set out on a quest to better their health and well-being.

What Dr. Lawrence explains is that today’s medicine in the US is tailored to patching up people’s health problems as opposed to attacking the issue at its core.

“Our healthcare systems are not built to encourage weight loss or preventative medicine,” he says.

“They’re built to fix a problem, but it doesn’t fix the root cause analysis.”

Along with his genuine customer service, Dr. Lawrence values certain practices proven to prolong health. One of his greatest passions is the practice of preventative care. “My goal is to get you off your medications and feeling the best that you can,” he says.

When taking control of his own health, Dr. Lawrence shifted his focus to address the root issue of his weight gain which helped him shed the weight and maintain his health. On weight loss therapy, Dr. Lawrence lost 118 lbs. in eight months and has maintained his weight with continued peptide therapy. These astounding results catapulted him into the healthier

lifestyle he was seeking, and it is the same practice he uses with his patients.

“We’re able to put together medicine to handle obesities, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, optimize testosterone levels for each patient, and assist in antiaging from the inside out,” he says. They treat patients with peptide therapy which utilizes natural, non-invasive supplements to help with healing, promote weight loss, and assist in anti-aging.

With their advanced sets of lab work, peptide therapy can adjust the hormone levels of a 60-year-old patient back down

to an 18 to 30-year-old patient in merely six months. With this treatment, their patients are gaining renewed youthful energy alongside the improvement of their overall health.

When they launched their business, Dr. Lawrence and Caitlin considered the many benefits of a virtual practice. In offering telemedicine, they can serve more people nationwide. This has allowed for rapid growth in the first year of the practice.

“We have eight providers on staff, plus Dr. Lawrence,” Caitlin says. “We’re credentialed and certified in 33 states and growing,” Dr.

shed the weight and maintain his health. On weight loss therapy, Dr. Lawrence lost 118 lbs. in eight months and has maintained his weight with continued peptide therapy. These astounding results catapulted him into the healthier lifestyle he was seeking, and it is the same practice he uses with his patients.

does an excellent job making them feel special.”

Dr. Lawrence echoes his wife’s sentiment. “You are not a number, you’re an actual human being and we care about you,” he says sincerely. Their commitment to providing the best personalized care sets them apart from other practices.

In the world of advanced medicine, there seems to be a pill for everything. But this begs an interesting question: Are all the pills worth it?

Dr. Lawrence offers his professional insight on this topic. “Pills are designed to treat the problem, but they’re not the solution,” he says. “We want to treat people before they ever require the medications that the world is riddled with.”

In doing so, they help patients avoid catastrophic health declines commonly seen among other individuals. This reduces patient’s reliance on pills and helps them maintain an active lifestyle in a natural manner.

Caitlin discusses the importance of patient education. At Morph Health and Wellness, consultations go beyond identifying the problem and finding the fastest solution. They help patients learn how to be the best version of themselves, whether it is through medication or lifestyle and diet change.

Dr. Lawrence and Caitlin are thrilled by the number of people whose lives are changing because of these practices. But this is just the beginning. They plan to add more providers to their team to meet the growing demand for their business.

“We are a testimony to the program,” Caitlin says. “We want others to get the feeling of yourself back and we care to make that happen for you.” They have been in your shoes, and they are here to help you attain the life and health that you deserve.  SCL