A visit to the dental office often elicits feelings of anxiety but what if you could enjoy the experience instead?  The husband and wife team of Dr. Jonas Ashbaugh and Dr. Kathleen Stevens work together to go the extra mile to ensure their patients feel comfortable and at ease.  They share a passion for dentistry, a dedication to education, and a commitment to caring for your smile.

    When you visit Blue Sky Dental Group, you will receive personal care and attention. The Dentists listen to what patients have to say about their dental health and help them achieve their best smile. Comprehensive dental exams along with a full complement of general, cosmetic and restorative dental treatments will assure that you achieve the best smile possible along with optimal oral health.

    Part of this philosophy is staying educated about improvements in the dental field with new technology, techniques, instruments, methods and materials allowing them to provide their patients with the best in oral care. As a result the patient’s experience is of the highest quality.
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    According to Dr. Jonas,  “Working together was very natural for us. We compliment each other in every way.  Dr. Stevens specializes in aesthetic beauty enhancements such as Botox or Juviderm and comprehensive orthodontics. Dr. Ashbaugh specializes in surgical procedures such as sedation, wisdom teeth, implant placement and various grafting procedures. Also, some patients prefer a male dentist or a female dentist so we are happy to accommodate.”

​    The  modern, clean waiting room of the practice is equipped with bottled water, fresh coffee and a friendly staff to greet you. Treatment rooms offer state-of-the-art care using digital x-ray machines which subject patients to much lower levels of radiation than traditional x-ray machines. They have 3D x-ray technology, which gives a more in-depth view of dental tissues. Patient rooms also have flat screen TVs to allow the Doctors to teach their patients about procedures visually.  When the treatment begins patients are encouraged to get comfy and  watch Netflix or snuggle up with a pillow and blanket while using our wireless headphones to relax with the sounds of your favorite music. These small but powerful details like warm scented towels at the end of your visit set their practice apart.
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    Dr. Jonas and Dr. Stevens met  as undergraduates, over 14 years ago and they have been together ever since.  They opened their practice  in Jacksonville in July 2017. The couple live in Durbin Crossing with their two young sons. Family is very important to them, and they love living and working in northeast Florida and especially enjoy time with their family at the beach.

Dr. Kathleen Stevens Dr. Stevens earned her dental degree from The Ohio State University School of Dentistry, after earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She holds professional memberships in the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and Northeast District Dental Association.
    Throughout her career Dr. Stevens has always strived to further her skills. She has completed several post graduate education courses and has received extensive training in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and facial esthetics.  Her commitment in continued education has allowed her to provide a wide array of services to her patients while delivering the highest quality of dental care.
    Dr. Stevens and her family enjoy participating in the activities this great city of Jacksonville has to offer. Whether it be a day on the beach or an afternoon football game (go Jaguars!) you can always find her out enjoying time with friends and family.

    Dr. Ashbaugh earned his dental degree from the Ohio State University, after earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He maintains professional memberships in the American Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Southern Jacksonville Dental Society. Dr. Ashbaugh has also been awarded the Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry.
    Dr. Ashbaugh takes numerous postgraduate education courses each year and has received extensive training in sedation, occlusion (your bite) and esthetic dentistry, allowing him to incorporate these treatments into his practice so he has a multitude of methods for solving complex dental problems. Most recently, Dr. Ashbaugh has completed a nine month comprehensive dental implant program through the Las Vegas Implant Maxicourse.
    In addition to private practice, Dr. Ashbaugh is an instructor for Smart CE online instructional series for Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, and Dentist nationwide. He is also a co-host for a popular dental podcast, Shared Practices, in which he shares his expertise in best practices for running a successful dental office.
    Dr. Ashbaugh is an active participant in the community. He and his wife, Dr. Stevens, live in the area with their two children, Benjamin and Jonathan. In his spare time, he enjoys in-shore and off-shore fishing, wakeboarding, golfing and catching a football game

While comprehensive care with a personal touch is the mission of Dr. Esra Yavuz Weisheit, Veterinarian and owner of Nease Animal Hospital in St. Johns, this is no ordinary practice.  In addition to excellent general care, Nease Animal Hospital offers canine physical therapy, Chinese herbal supplements and acupuncture.  Dr. Esra also specializes in pet rehabilitation, which is a common need as pets age and after surgeries.  As a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) and Certified Spinal Manual Therapist for pets, Dr. Esra brings a deeper element to the care of her patients.

Have you always known you wanted to become a veterinarian or, did you discover it later in life? I knew when I was 7 that I wanted to work with animals. I grew up taking care of street cats and dogs. During college, I spent a semester in Kenya studying Wildlife Management and that time in Kenya confirmed my passion in veterinary medicine.


Where did you grow up? & Where did you go to school? I  grew up in Turkey and then went to college in New York state and went to veterinary school at Tufts University in Massachusetts.


Is there a story or memory from your youth that helped you decide on your career?
We rescued a street cat who went into labor on a Sunday. She was having a hard time delivering so we had to call for a veterinarian from the phone book and found a veterinarian who agreed to open his practice. She needed a C-section.  I was 10 and got to watch the surgery and helped care for the new born kitten. I was very lucky my mother let me keep mom and the kitten at our house. We found home for the kitten and kept mom.  She was an amazing cat.
Where did you first practice veterinary medicine? I have been practicing since 1997. I practiced in a multi-doctor and corporate practice in Maryland and then opened my own practice in Bel Air, MD. I loved owning my practice and had amazing clients and patients.


What brought you to St. Johns? My husband had been wanting to move to Florida for the last 10 years due to climate. We had travelled to different places in Florida but I fell in love with Saint Augustine and Jacksonville. I loved the beaches and diversity of Jacksonville.


What are some of the ways your practice makes pets and pet owners feel special? We focus on individual care and whole patient care. Prevention is the key. Our focus is to give our patients a positive experience. We take our time to make sure that our patients are comfortable and pampered. We are generous on treats so that our patients are happy to visit us again.

Do you have any special services? We do offer acupuncture, cold therapy laser, and canine physical therapy. Also, pet owners can bring their dogs to utilize the underwater treadmill to keep their pets physical fit. We do offer Chinese herbal supplements, food therapy and alternative medicine. We are an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) certified veterinary hospital. We strive for high standards of care.


Do you have an office mascot? Coco is our hospital cat. She is very sassy.


What is your favorite aspect of your work? I love the fact that we can offer many different services that help keep our patients happy and healthy. Preventing disease and helping patients to stay healthy with supplements  and alternative medicine. I love it when after acupuncture, herbs and physical therapy, our patients walk again.


What is the most difficult aspect of your work? So many animals need good homes. There are more animals than homes.


Tell us a little about your family.
I am very lucky to have a very supportive and loving husband Gene and my 13 year old son Zackary. I am very excited that my son is going to be testing for third degree black belt.


Do you own any pets yourself? I do have three spoiled cats
(Fearless, Eagle, and Raven) and two dogs Chloe and Humphrey.


How do you relieve stress? Walking on the beach with my family


What is your favorite thing to do in St. Johns? Many things: I love the fact that I can spend outdoors activities with my family : checking out different trails and different beaches with my family and Chloe and Humphrey.

​For more information about Smiles by Glenos
please call 904-79- SMILE (797-6453).
or visit SmilesByGlenos.com 
Offices at 111 Doctors Village Dr, St. Johns
22 St. Johns Medical Park Dr, St. Augustine 

​This month we are getting to know Dr. Jimmy Glenos and Dr.  Craig Hadgis of SMILES BY GLENOS.   In business since the mid 1980s, this well respected St. Augustine Orthodontic practice has a new second office in northern St. Johns off Race Track Road  in Doctor’s Village, beside Memorial Emergency Center.

These board certified orthodontists  focus on creating beautiful, healthy smiles using the most state-of-the-art cost efficient approaches.  Their mission is simple: “Our primary goal is to provide the best possible orthodontic care and experience for all ages.”  

​Where are you from?

Dr. Jimmy Glenos:  I was born and raised in Orlando, attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with Honors, and then attended the University of Florida School of Dentistry, receiving a Doctor of Dental Medicine.  I fell in love with St. Augustine when I moved here from Gainesville to practice family dentistry for a year while I awaited the start of my orthodontic residency specialty training at The University of Louisville.

Dr. Craig Hadgis:  I started off as a Michigander, born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. In the 1970s, my grandparents moved to Flagler Beach. Northeast Florida became a frequent vacation destination during my childhood. I was excited to move to northern Florida, when I was accepted into Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics.  My wife Anne and I are St. Augustine residents and have enjoyed making this area our home.
 
When did you begin practicing orthodontics?
Dr. Glenos:  I began providing specialized orthodontic treatment in St. Augustine area in 1984. After about ten years in St. Johns Medical Park, along US1, we built our "dream office" in the same medical park. 
About two years ago, we opened a second state-of-the-art location in Doctors Village, along Race Track Road.
 
Dr. Hadgis:  After graduating from Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics in 2010, I have been fortunate to have a variety of clinical experiences and have focused on keeping up to date with the latest technologies in the orthodontic field. Dr. Glenos and I have been colleagues for several years. Now that we are in practice together, our goal is to provide exceptional care to patients throughout St. Johns County and many surrounding areas.

Why did you choose this profession? (How did you get your start)?

Dr. Glenos:   Sometimes, I believe it may have been preordained.  When I was fifteen years old, I fell in love with a girl who's first job was as an orthodontic technician. Understandably, at such a young age, it was a relatively brief but passionate relationship.
My junior year in college, I decided to pursue a career in dentistry.  Lo and behold, Karen and I reconnected and started dating again. We were married my senior year of dental school.
I enjoyed practicing family dentistry, but orthodontics was especially appealing because of the important impact one’s smile has on their everyday life. I truly believe that by straightening crowded and rotated teeth and improving the bite and smile, we are, in many cases, changing people's lives. It has to be one of the best jobs in the world!
The only downside is that since Karen has been active in orthodontics longer than I, she sometimes thinks she is "the boss." But that's ok and probably true for most marriages..right?
 
Dr. Hadgis:  My family comes from a dental background. My grandfather was a dental lab technician and my father is a practicing dentist in Michigan. My father is passionate about practicing dentistry and raised my brothers and I to find our own passion in life, so our careers would not feel like “just a job.”
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Solving puzzles and mathematics came easily to me growing up, which is the reason I initially chose to become an engineer. While earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Michigan, I learned about the connections between medicine, biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and orthopedics. Inspired by these connections and building on my engineering degrees, I chose to specialize in orthodontics in order to help people by making a positive impact in their lives in a visible way. I find that having a master’s degree in biomedical engineering provides me with a unique perspective in evaluating, planning, and carrying out treatment plans in both simple and complex cases.

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What is the most common misunderstanding about orthodontics?

Dr. Glenos:  A common misconception has been to consider orthodontic treatment as an expensive luxury.  Today, orthodontic treatment is a relatively modest investment compared to other things - including dental expenses for crowns, implants or cosmetic dentistry and the benefits of orthodontic corrections are outstanding. Not only in one's appearance but in the health of the dentition as one ages.
Most recently, a new misconception is being promoted by companies offering DIY "do it yourself" orthodontic treatment. Unsupervised tooth movement is dangerous with a high potential risk of damage to the teeth, the bone support (tooth loss), jaw joint issues and failure of any improvement due to relapse. Reports are surfacing that this is happening often and, unfortunately, the patient or parents, end up paying for treatment twice. If they have orthodontic insurance and the benefits were used during the DIY treatment, the patient is stuck with depleted benefits.
 
Dr. Hadgis:  Many people are not aware that to become an orthodontic specialist requires acceptance into an accredited full-time residency program which involves 2-3 additional years of dedicated orthodontic training after dental school. Further, each case requires a thorough analysis by the orthodontic specialist to achieve the best outcome for the patient in terms of a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
  
What are some of the greatest successes you have had for patients?

Dr. Glenos:  We see amazing new smiles completed every day. Personally, the most rewarding ones are when the patient first looks in the mirror and the tears of joy begin to flow. Clinically, I am most proud of the cases that have been planned since age 6-7 where we have timed simple procedures that result in the teeth growing in so nice that very little time in appliances is required to make them perfect.
 
Dr. Hadgis:  I’m very pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to help improve so many patients’ health and self-esteem. Further, many patients, both children and adults alike, have reported improved sleep as a result of orthodontic treatment.
 
What sets your offices apart from other orthodontic offices?

Dr. Glenos:  Besides offering the latest orthodontic equipment like digital scanning and ultra-low dose 3D radiography, and the finest office environments, I believe the most valuable attributes are our outstanding team who treat everyone like family, and the fact that every proposed treatment is carefully planned and executed by Board Certified orthodontic specialists.  
 
Dr. Hadgis:  Both Dr. Glenos and I are diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. Only 1 in 3 orthodontists take the extra time and effort necessary to achieve this distinction. We are one of the few orthodontic practices in the country offering Insignia which is individualized custom brackets and wires made specifically for each patient from digital 3D oral scans which replace goopy impressions, and from 3D digital x-rays replacing higher radiation film x-rays. We also pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service from our entire team.
  
What technology is used to determine treatment plans for your patients?

Dr. Glenos:  Complete orthodontic records consist of properly taken digital photos, a 3D digital scan, a digital cephalometric film (enabling us to measure the relationship of the upper and lower jaws to one another and the angulations of the teeth to the jaws) and a digital panoramic x-ray. In some cases where custom designed appliances may be desired, the final occlusion can be planned digitally and viewed on the computer. 
 
Dr. Hadgis:  We stay at the leading edge as technology in the orthodontic field advances rapidly. We offer digital treatment planning with technologies such as Invisalign (custom 3D planned clear aligners) and Insignia (custom braces and wires) to properly align teeth.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?

Dr. Glenos:  I'm an outdoorsman. I enjoy sportfishing, diving, kiteboarding, water skiing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities. I also enjoy traveling and shopping with "the boss."
 
Dr. Hadgis:  I most enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy exercising, biking, golfing, snow skiing, and following professional and college sports.

​Who are you and what do you do?  
My name is Mike Cervone.  I’m a Mortgage Broker by day but my passion is family and art.  I try to spend as much time as I can with my family and my art.  

Why do you do what you do? 
I do this because art is a way to escape from one’s daily stress and it is a way to challenge myself to get better each time.  The problem solving and challenges that come with painting can be very frustrating but I chase the feeling I get each time I complete something that I’m proud of. 

What is your background? 
A: My background is in the Financial Services and Mortgage industry.  However, I’ve always tooled around with drawing and sketching.  Three years ago, after watching hundreds of Youtube painting videos, I decided that I would give it a try and use it as a valuable escape after a long day in the office. 
 
What is integral to your work?
What is integral to my art work is an interesting subject, a great reference, and inspiration.  Most people these days don’t have the time to sit hours for a painting so I will generally work from a photograph that I’ve meticulously set up and taken myself.  A lot of times I will spend hours going through paintings from my favorite artists until I see something that inspires me.  I try to capture that in the photo and later in the painting. 

Explain what you do in a way that would help lay 
people understand it. 
In a nutshell, I move paint around on a canvas until I like what I see.  I start by taking a good photo.  I then complete a drawing of that photo and transfer it onto a canvas.  Once my rendering is on the canvas, I’ll work off of the photograph to try and capture the essence and likeness of the individual.  I try to break down the forms (brow ridge, cheek bones, etc.,)  into their general shapes and render those forms in paint, changing the color and value as that particular form turns towards or away from the light.  I work on one form until I am completely satisfied and then move on to the next.  After some time, you’ve got a bunch of forms that end up “clicking” into each other. 

 How has your art changed over time?
I started with landscapes but it didn’t inspire me.  I then moved onto painting people.  I started with taking a photo and painting it in a comic book style (more along the lines of Pop Art).  Once I started studying tutorials from some of my favorite figure painters, I was more drawn to the classical approach to painting.  As I complete each painting, I learn a bit more about the underlying skeletal and muscular structure that is common in all people and this makes, in my opinion, each subsequent painting a bit better than the last. 

What art do you most identify with?
There is quite a bit.  I identify a lot with the Baroque style of art from the 17th and late 18th centuries and tend to be drawn towards the Realism and Romanticism art styles  

What work do you most enjoying doing?
I mostly enjoy painting portraits and people.  Again, there is a satisfaction when you complete a piece of art that in the end, does capture the sitter’s likeness. 

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
My strongest memory or memories of childhood was of drawing.  I would spend hours a day drawing from magazines or creating my own characters and most memories I have of childhood generally included a pencil and paper. 

What themes do you pursue?
My common theme is, of course, people.  Since I am only 3 years into oil painting, my goal is to work towards creating some narrative pieces that follow the artistic styles that I identify with.  

What’s your favorite art work or your favorite artist & why? 
 I have many favorite artists and artwork that I love for their own unique styles.  My top favorites would include William Adolphe Bouguereau, John Singer Sargent, Caravaggio, and Velazquez. 

​JimKaneOriginalArt.com
www.facebook.com/JimKaneOriginalArt
JimKaneOriginalArt@yahoo.com

Who are you and what do you do? 
I am a professional firefighter / paramedic with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.  I have been with the fire department for 27 years.  As a Captain of a Rescue unit in a major metropolitan fire department you may be able to imagine the daily stresses involved.  Building, painting, designing and creating have always been a stress outlet for me, then I realized some of the things I made, mainly my paintings became more than just stress relief, they became a passion and I began painting purely for the sake of the art.
  
Why do you do what you do? 
My artwork is a personal endeavor. I find it very cathartic and it came to somewhat of a surprise to me that others are interested in what I have created. With retirement approaching, I have been considering a new career as a starving artist! 

What is your background? 
I grew up in Massachusetts. I came to Jacksonville with the Navy, then after four years, I left the Navy and entered the fire service. After 9/11, I went back into the Navy as a reservist for six years while continuing my career in fire service. I have always had a passion for art but never thought of myself as an artist until recently.

What is integral to your work?
I find myself most creative when I am listening to music.  There are times when I will go out to spend time in my shop and before I know it I have been working for several hours and there is a painting I had never thought about sitting before me.  To be honest sometimes I have no idea where it comes from.

Explain what you do in a way that would help lay people understand it.  
The current focus of my artwork is Resin Art.  Resin Art uses Epoxy Resins, paints, dyes, inks and pigments mixed into the resin to be pored over a canvas.  This type of art is commonly referred to as flow art or a flowable medium.  I take great pride in the fact that build all my own canvases (also referred to as panels). This ensures that each panel that leaves my studio is made with the very best products and built to my exacting specifications.  The panels are made from Lauan plywood and birch substrate.  I quarter round all the edges, sand, patch, re-sand then prime. I end up with a 2” thick gallery wrapped canvas. The resin flows over the sides smoothly and carries to image over the sides. The substrate provides an area to anchor hanging hardware. 

What is unique about epoxy resin is the curing time, as soon as the resin is mixed with a catalyst it begins the curing process.  This process can take as little as 5-7 minutes and as long as an hour depending on the type of resin being used.  Once the resin starts to “set up” the resin can no longer be manipulated.  At that point the painting needs to be covered to prevent contamination and the epoxy will need a minimum of 12 hours to cure to a point that it can be worked with again.  If another layer is desired, if there is any contamination or flaws on the surface, the top layer will need to be sanded to allow the new layer something to attach to.  Most of my paintings end up with 4-7 layers of resin.  

How has your art changed over time? I hope that my artwork has improved.  In retrospect I see that I have always attempted to master certain techniques and then move on to the next interest.  This can be a double edge sword, allowing for a lot of different experiences but never pushing the boundaries of the art itself.  Resin Art has kept my attention and I feel myself entertaining more challenging aspects of the art.

What art do you most identify with?  With a wide array of interests, it is hard to identify one specific art form.  I love working with different mediums whether its woodworking, painting, stone work, metal work, or just pencil and paper there is so much I would like to experience and create.  I like the concept of mixing and matching mediums.

What is your strongest memory of your childhood?  I am the youngest of five children.  As with most families each child has specific bonds with his or her parents.  My father was a professional musician and my siblings all played instruments growing up.  By the time I was born, let’s just say the gene pool was I bit low in the music department.  My bond with my father tended to be more with hands-on things.  My father taught me to do most things with my own hands, from working on cars to building houses.  I have discovered that one of the things he taught me is that one’s ability to do things is only limited by your willingness to chance screwing it up.  There are only two possible outcomes from trying something new:  Success or the opportunity to learn from your mistakes.  Both outcomes are positives.

​Who are you and what do you do? 
I am an eight year breast cancer survivor, a mother of a teenager and a wife of a loving husband.
I’m a home maker the mother to our daughter and a permanent make up artist. 

Why do you do what you do?  
I do permanent make up because it something that came into my life when I had breast cancer. I was overwhelmed with joy and how my life has changed and having an art background for over 50 years it was as if I was lead down the path. *My business works by appointment only in a studio on Market st in Palencia. 

What’s your background?  
I’ve been painting since I am eight years old. Attended The School of Visual Arts in New York and then moved onto The Fashion Institute of Technology. 

What’s integral to your work?
Giving back to people in need and enjoying making a simple change in their lives that brings so much joy. 

Explain what you do in a way that would help lay people understand it.
I use my artistic experience to apply Permanent Makeup to enhance eyebrows, eyeliner, lips and Areolas and scars with several different techniques 

How has your art changed over time
My art hasn’t changed over time however, my canvas has. I’ve always enjoyed a blank canvas to paint. Ive painted many murals in restaurants, faux painted furniture, children’s murals, and even had my own 3D cake design company. Window design, jewelry design, office and floor design were also part of my past. 

What art do you most identify with? Anything with color and movement and shadows seems to catch my eye the most. I can get absorbed into this art and get lost inside it 

What work do you most enjoying doing?
That’s s hard question because anything I’ve already find in the past has a hold on me still and I never really left any if my art behind as opposed to gathering more skills and applying them. 

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Growing up in a very large family of all 5 brothers, the memories are extensive but I would have to say Christmas was always the most memorable and fun and still is because we still carry on the tradition with the family being so much larger from many years ago
Also Tuesday nights when I would go for my weekly art lesson in the evening and miss family dinner but come home with an amazing painting to share with my mom and dad who were so proud of my work. 

What themes do you pursue?
I wouldn’t say I pursue a theme more so than something that strikes my eye. It could range from a zoomed in flower to a scenic view to a simple painting of a high heeled shoe with fantastic color and shadow. 

What’s your favorite art work or your favorite artist & why? 
Any of Edgar Degas ballerina paintings and sculptures.  I always wanted to dance as a child and fortunately I chose art because my daughter is a ballerina and dances so I have the best of them both! I hope to one day to be the proud owner of his sculpture work. 

Hello! Just a little bit about your friendly neighborhood photographer! 
I LOVE interacting with all the different people I get to meet with this profession.  From that first cup of coffee at our meet and greet, through our final image selection, I consider everyone a friend by the time we say our "until next times". 

I grew up in a VERY small town in Missouri. Roaming through the woods and fields, eating sun warmed wild huckleberries, reading on a bed of moss in the early morning sunshine; this was how I spent most of my days, when not doing farm chores. (Milking cows, weeding my Dad’s garden, and slopping pigs just doesn’t sound as nice as wandering through the meadows, right?)

I attended Missouri University in Columbia, studying Early Childhood Education/Child Psychology, and enjoying photography classes as my elective “fun.” However, I decided about halfway into my college career, that I wanted to support my country, so I joined the Air force. 
While serving in Japan, I met my amazing husband (and sometimes my assistant/second shooter). 6 months later, we were married in a whirlwind ceremony. 25 years later… still married, and he’s still very much my best friend.

We have 2 fabulous children together, Jessi, who is 24, and attending college in Illinois for veterinary medicine, and Jason who is currently a senior in high school. Our non-human children consist of 2 super energetic, 70 lb boxer labs, and 2 overly demanding kitties.

Outside is where I'm the happiest... and outside is where the magic happens. People come alive, are more likely to be themselves, not feeling like they need to pose “perfectly.” I am all about the “imperfect” pose… that picture BETWEEN poses – where the soul is bright. Natural world, natural “poses,” natural you. It’s how I roll.  

As a “retired” preschool teacher of 17 years, I have infinite amounts of love, patience, and creativity…. all needed for this sometimes unpredictable, and always delightful livelihood. Well, that’s it, in a tiny little nutshell! So when you see this barefoot photographer getting her groove on photographing? Stop and say a quick howdy - new friends are my favorite. ;)
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To view the full spectrum of Mindy's work please visit her website at www.natureschildphotography.com

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood transforms regular people into creatures like Jennifer Lawrence’s character Mystique in X-men? Often times the effect is created with the art form of body painting. As evidenced by the work of featured artist Linda Schrenk, Body painting is no longer reserved for face painting or highly stylized films.. 

Body painting is an unexpected medium for fine art which has gained popularity in recent years locally with a co-op of artists, models and photographers, B.A.R.E. or Body Art Refined Exhibition, who specialize in body art, painting and special effects.  B.A.R.E. was spearheaded by artist Whitney Myers.
​
Artists paint the entire body in great detail, often using a concept to develop a rough sketch which is then painted.  You may have seen some of the body art on display on models at the monthly Jax Art Walk.  St. Johns Magazine and photographer Mindy Kerr of Nature’s Child Photography had the privilege of observing the entire process as artist Linda Schrenk painted her model during an eight hour paint jam held at photography studio, Studio 3E in Jacksonville.  The title of Linda’s piece was Coy and Geisha.  In the final moments, the art comes alive in shocking beauty, reflecting the artist’s understanding of color, her skill and patience.

Linda Schrenk is a  wife to Dave Schrenk (31 years), mom of 5 kids (Alecia 31, Katie 25, Hannah 23, David 22 and Aaron 17). She is a face and body artist and the owner of Amazing Face Painting by Linda. She works with the medium of cosmetic grade face and body paint and she loves to paint people.

Why do you do what you do? 
I love face and body art. I love transforming the human body into a colorful canvas of living art. It's empowering to the model to be clothed in art.

How do you work? 
I pre-plan out a design idea by sketching it out in a notebook. I research a subject and search for images online, in nature, clothing patterns, etc. Anything that inspires an idea. For commissioned pieces I plan a design with the model or photographer. 

What’s your background?  
I've always been an artist. My earliest memories are from when I was 4 and drawing horses. I was really into comic books a as a teen and started drawing people from the characters. I was accepted into a commercial graphics program in High School. I then went to Villa Maria College in Buffalo, NY for their Commercial Graphics Program. Like many artists, I was searching for my place in the world and dropped out.

I married my husband Dave Schrenk and became a Navy Wife. We've been married 31 years and have 5 children. I didn't draw or paint and my art was almost forgotten. Thirteen years ago I was teaching art in a homeschool/after school program in trade so my son could have dance lessons. One of my student's mom gave me the opportunity to face paint for her at an event. I fell in love with the medium.  What could be better than to hang out with kids and be creative! I face painted as a hobby on and off till 2008. In 2007 my husband was retired from the Navy and by 2008 he became a full time college student and we needed a 2nd income. I decided to turn my hobby into a business. This was the birth of Amazing Face Painting by Linda. This has grown into a full entertainment company with a team of face painters, Balloon twisters, clowns,.magicians, and other entertainment services to Jacksonville and surrounding areas. I started body painting in 2014 from the encouragement of my friend and fellow body artist Whitney Myers. She created a body paint jam for artists to learn and explore this new and growing medium.

Explain what you do in a way that would help lay people understand it.
I paint people. To some they may look 'naked' but they are clothed in art. Body Painting has a bad Rep. People associate it with the porn industry but as a body artist I work very hard to dismiss this stigma. I'm the person that turns my head when a scene gets to steamy in a movie. But the body is a beautiful work of art and I like to showcase it. Being painted is very freeing. The models are not naked. My goal is to never sexualize the imagery but to enhance the beauty.

Things to know. It can take 5-8 hours to paint a body head to toe. The hardest part is time management. Unlike canvas, your model needs breaks, must eat and drink, etc. You can walk away from a canvas and come back a few days later and work on it some more. You can't do this when painting a body. There's usually a deadline for a show or photoshoot. So, you plot and plan out how best to complete everything you want to accomplish before your deadline.

How has your art changed over time
I started as a pencil and ink artist and had no concept of color theory. Body Painting has encouraged me to expand as an artist and learn other mediums like canvas.

What art do you most identify with?
I love nature and realism.

What work do you most enjoying doing?
My favorite form of body painting is prenatal designs. The pregnant body growing life is a beautiful thing. I love planning out a design the perfectly matches a family.

Tell us a little about how you give back by helping sick children? 
I paint immobilization cancer treatment masks for the kids at UF Health Proton Therapy. 
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What’s your favorite art work or your favorite artist & why? 
I love Monet because of a coffee table book in my home but many of my favorite artists are other face and body painters that have pioneered the art form. Scott and Madelyn Greco(5 time world bodypainting champions) and Tera Bakker for her realism.

    A healthy, attractive smile is an important part of our lives, regardless of age. It impacts our self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being, as well as our personal, social, and professional relationships. Dr. Christopher Henry, of Henry Advanced Orthodontics believes that giving someone confidence in their smile is the most rewarding part of his job.  Dr. Henry says “No one can take that away from them and they have one less obstacle standing in the way to achieve their life’s dreams.  To me that is powerful...it’s the gift that keeps giving and priceless when compared to the investment”.

    In 2017, Dr. Henry, relocated to St. Johns County, and took over the Orthodontist practice of Braces by Dr. Liz.  He moved here after 12 years of building a successful orthodontist practice in Alaska.  He chose St. Johns County to be closer to his family and quite honestly, to thaw out a little from the cold.  When you meet him it’s easy to see that his laid-back style is a perfect fit for the way we live and play in St. Augustine.

    His practice specializes in superior care and is known for being able to handle the toughest cases.   

    The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than 7 years old. Why age 7? At this stage of development, it’s an ideal time to evaluate many possible dental concerns.  Their growth pattern can be altered to provide a balanced bite, resolve crowding, expand the upper jaw, and diagnosis congenially missing teeth.  The majority of patients seen at this age will not require any treatment, however early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated.  For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment.  Dr. Henry’s goal is that you have a clear understanding of your specific needs, what your treatment will consist of and how long it will take.

    While it is ideal to see an Orthodontist at an early age, healthy teeth can be moved successfully at any age. Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future dental problems regardless of age.  And thanks to the variety of options used by orthodontists, teens and adults may be able to inconspicuously achieve the great smile they want.
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    New patient exams are always free and Dr. Henry and his staff are looking forward to discussing all of your treatment options to provide you with your Trademark Smile.     

What is the secret to a long life? Well, some would say happy memories, connections, gratitude and the beautiful, strong fighting spirit of survivors who never give up but instead turn around and use their experience to help others.
    Bonnie and Frank Dvoravic, Owners of Rivertown Fine Wine & Spirits know first hand that life is precious.  Bonnie is a 12-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, and she and Frank are passionate about increasing awareness and raising money to help others beat this terrible disease.
    For the past two years, Frank and Bonnie have raised funds for PANCAN through auctions at their store on County Road 210 West in St. Johns, (near Publix).  To date, they have raised over $34,000 for research.  They are often blown away and truly grateful to our community for their support.
    In October, they will feature an auction of special items with one-hundred percent of proceeds going to PANCAN. Some of the items include a Fireball ice chest, Jagermeister ice chest, a Titos cooler and more. Plus, just arrived, a 12-year-old Elijah Craig barrel of bourbon created exclusively for Rivertown (part of the sale of each bottle will go to PANCAN).
    This summer Frank and Bonnie took a journey that led them to Washington DC to advocate for PANCAN, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Along the way, they visited family and friends from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, including Frank’s 96-year-old “Uncle Frank” whom he had not seen in fifty years. His advice for a long life was to take vitamins, baby aspirin, chocolate kisses and two Coca-Colas a day.          
    The experience reminded them how blessed they are to be here enjoying the life they have built, a life that includes a beautiful riverfront home, time spent with their children and grandchildren, and a successful family business.

​When you watch CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax in the morning, you quickly notice a difference between their morning news and everyone else’s.  “What you get is a lot more local news instead of fluff,” says morning anchor Phil Amato, who migrated over to Action News Jax from First Coast News a few years ago.  Added long time co-anchor Dawn Lopez, “We understand that mornings are hectic and people want to be informed before they head out the door.  We really focus on local coverage so we don’t waste anyone’s time.”  It’s a faster paced newscast, with reporters spread out all over the area.  “We have more local reporters in the morning because our viewing area is so spread out,” said morning anchor Letisha Bereola.  “Having more reporters gives us an opportunity to cover more stories, especially in St Johns County.”

A large ingredient of that local coverage in the morning is weather and traffic.  In fact, from 4:30am to 9am, it’s every ten minutes.  Action News Jax First Alert Meteorologist Arielle Nixon has been forecasting local weather in the Jacksonville area for over 5 years.  “What makes St Johns County unique is the fact that it’s surrounded by water with the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the St Johns River to the West,” said Arielle Nixon.  “With so much water interacting with land, you have the perfect combination for storms.”

  Being in the “traffic” business for over 14 years clearly gives Derrick Odom an advantage.  Not to mention that he also works part-time for the Florida Department of Transportation.  “I’ve been doing this in one form or another for a long time and nothing is more important than getting you the right information quickly,” he says.
You can catch Arielle, Derrick and the rest of the morning team, weekday mornings from 4:30am to 9am, on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax.

​     Mike Buresh and his family live in St. Johns County.  So, when it comes to forecasting severe weather, he has a vested interest in tracking storms that approach the area.
     Mike and the Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team have been rated “The Most Accurate” for the last 12 years by WeatheRate, a national independent weather rating service.
     Combine a team of certified meteorologists along with the areas most sophisticated weather forecasting equipment (like the First Alert StormTracker pictured above) and you can see why more people in St. Johns County put their trust in Mike and Action News Jax.
     “I’ve always had an interest in weather, ever since I was a kid growing up in rural Iowa,” says Mike.  “As early as the second grade, I was drawing weather maps and constantly looking up at the sky.  I’m definitely a weather-holic!”
     St. Johns County was hit hard in 2016 from Hurricane Matthew and then again in 2017 by Irma.  Now is the time to begin preparing for storm season 2018.  That’s why Action News Jax created the 2018 Hurricane Survival Guide, available for download on ActionNewsJax.com
     Inside the guide, you’ll find the latest evacuation zones, preparing your home before, during and after a storm, emergency contact numbers, creating your own hurricane kit and much more.  Download it, and have it ready as a resource as we get deeper into hurricane season this year.
    In the meantime, you can catch Mike’s forecast on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax, NEWS 104.5 WOKV, ActionNewsJax.com and on the First Alert Weather App.  We’re here to help you stay safe St. Johns County.       

by Debbie Gaylord

     ​It is safe to say the future is bright for Emerson Hurst, a dynamic 17 year-old gymnast from St. Johns. She recently returned from the Junior Olympic Nationals in Ohio where she was one of the top competing gymnasts; placing 2nd on Beam, 3rd on Bars, 3rd on Floor, 11th on Vault and 13th All Around. In June she graduated from Bartram Trail High School and has accepted a full-ride scholarship to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland where she will compete on the gymnastics team this Fall.  
In this highly competitive sport that requires singular strength, fearlessness, sacrifice and determination how did Emerson reach this level as an athlete?
     The journey began at age 4 when she started classes at Starlight Gymnastics in Mandarin. She was invited to join Starlight’s developmental team program when she was about 8 years old and eventually worked her way up to the highest level team. In 10th grade she began training 25-27 hours each week at the gym taking academic classes through the Florida Virtual School.  
Emerson attributes her success to over a decade of training with coaches Vessy Danailova, Owner of Starlight Gymnastics, and Cheri Gillikin.  “Being part of the team at Starlight is like being part of a family and my coaches are more than just coaches”.  She says they taught her values like loyalty and how to work toward her goals. “I will miss them. But I’ll be back to visit,” she adds with a smile.

​     Coaches are an integral part dealing with challenges as well.  Athletes like Emerson perform double-backflips, full-twisting layouts, aerials on the beam and front flips off the bars. Fear is inevitable but overcoming that fear is a necessity.  A good coach understand this mental aspect of the sport.  When Emerson was first on the Starlight team she was terrified of back tumbling.  Coaches Cheri and husband Gill Gillikin worked with her over and over on a double backflip, first on the tumble track with spotting, then moving to belt spotting until finally she was ready to do it every time without help.  Today Emerson works a double back twisting flip with ease into her floor routine, and a triple series on the beam that includes a front-aerial, back-handspring and back layout combination!  I guess you could say she overcame the mental block.
      This past year early in the season she suffered a shoulder injury caused by the repetitive stress of a difficult move on the bars called a Tkatchev.  Rather than get surgery during the competitive season, she got the go-ahead from her doctor and waited until the season was over.  This meant ignoring the pain, which was no easy task. But she was determined to be able to compete at Nationals and will heal in time to compete at Towson University.  In order to keep up her strength she does intense conditioning exercises at Starlight 2-3 days per week.
    Emerson said she has always maintained her love of gymnastics and is grateful to her Mom who, before every meet would say, “go have fun!”. She says young gymnasts should focus on working hard to improve skills but remember to always do what you love.  When you accomplish a goal, celebrate it!
    Emerson was recently tagged in the top 10 most anticipated incoming college freshman to watch on beam.  She says she is looking forward to college level competition and helping her team.  She will be busy studying sports management with a minor in business. Who knows, Maybe someday she will own her own gymnastics gym just like Starlight!

​What area do you focus on?
 I sell real estate primarily in the Nocatee / Ponte Vedra communities although our Team sells throughout St Johns and Duval County. My wife Jamie and I have lived in the Del Webb Ponte Vedra community in Nocatee for over 9 years. Jamie is also a Realtor.

 Why do you do what you do?
Frankly, I don’t like people telling me what to do. I also don’t like the idea of having a job where no matter how hard I work someone else determines how much I make. I like to succeed or fail based upon my own efforts, creativity and experience. Being a Realtor allows me the opportunity to live my life doing it my way!
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What is your background?
Right out of college I was an investment analyst for several years, a SVP in commercial lending for a mid-west bank and then I entered the real estate business over 35 years ago.

Was there a certain experience that helped you to become a Realtor?
I have always been fascinated by real estate even before becoming a Realtor. My first experience was in buying farms when I was in my 20’s, then commercial development and investing and most of my Realtor career has been in residential real estate services. Becoming a Realtor was just a natural progression from what I was already doing.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy most?
IMO most successful real estate careers are 20% real estate and 80% problem solving. I like the challenge of trying to make things work out when everything seems to be going in the wrong direction. That is where experience really comes in handy. Most buyers and sellers have no idea how many things go wrong in the typical real estate transaction that they never knew about. That is because agents often work behind the scenes to solve problems or address situations before they become problems.

Did you have a mentor?
I did have a mentor during my early years and I often think about how he impacted my life. He started as a milkman and he died a multi-billionaire. He had many principles he was guided by and he often shared his thoughts by writing them down on a little flash card and giving them to those he was with. Two of his sayings he loved and lived by were also my favorites, “Time Kills Deals” and “Follow a trail of dirt…pick up dirt. Follow a trail of gold…pick up gold”. Anyone in business knows the wisdom of the first saying. The second saying took me a few years to fully appreciate how wise and true it was. Give it some thought!

 How has being a Realtor changed your life?
Over the last 35 years of being a Realtor I have learned many life lessons that have spilled over into my personal life. I can’t think of very many professions where you become such a part of your customer’s life. Sometimes I am a Realtor, advisor, marriage counselor, sounding board, strategic thinker, the hero and the one to blame. I have learned that you never learn anything while you are talking so be a better listener. Don’t procrastinate because “Time Kills Deals”. I have learned to be sympathetic, compassionate, understanding, how to be firm when necessary and flexible when it is called for. It is an honorable profession although there is substantial room for improvement.

What sets you apart?
I am experienced at what I do, well trained, creative, and I believe I work well with others. Those are the qualities that I bring to the table and they have seldom failed me. Our Team is the personification of those principles. In addition, we are strong marketers, we work tirelessly, we help each other whenever there is a need. Our bench is deep, and we have many life experiences that makes us who we are.

 
What is the key ingredient for success in this highly competitive business?
I believe the National Association of Realtors says that the number one thing our customers are looking for is to have confidence that their agent knows how to take them thru the process to their desired goal. It can be a scary undertaking and the stakes are high. For most people selling or buying their home is the biggest transaction they have ever done and certainly one of the most important. Conveying to prospective customers that you are the right choice is the goal. When we go out into the market sometimes it becomes quite obvious that they aren’t looking for the best agent, the most knowledgeable or experienced agent…they are looking for the cheapest agent. Since customers often don’t know what qualities are important to getting the job done they go with commission cutters or people they know but have no real experience, no business success, no marketing, no real familiarity with the marketplace they are working in. These issues have always been a factor in the market especially during the good times. Almost 60% of the agents in business right now have been in the business less than 5 years and many are working for companies who have no formal training programs or experienced management. Convincing potential customers that dealing with a proven, experienced and successful agent, Team or company is the best chance for them to be successful is, and always has been, the real challenge!

What was one of the nicest compliments you have received as a realtor?
 “George you started as our Realtor but ended as our friend”.

 What do you love about St. Johns?
It is exciting to live in a county where there is so much going on. I have never lived in a place quite like it! It is a very positive atmosphere with almost everyone working to make their communities a better place. In Nocatee, where Jamie and I have lived for 9+ years, well over 50% of the land mass is reserved for preserves, greenbelt, community parks and trails. I think that is a great example for others to follow. I think the developers in our county understand they are working in a very special place and want to do their part to make it even better. Economic growth, top rated schools, location, roadways and of course our waterways are all very unique assets that make St Johns County an incredible place!

Are you concerned that new development will jeopardize the beauty of northern St. Johns?
No!  Ask anyone who has witnessed slow development, or no growth and it will be painfully obvious which you would prefer. As long as our county leadership and business community continue to work hand in hand to make St Johns county the best in the state we have a long and exciting future in front of us.

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Why do you do what you do?
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant transactions, both financially and emotionally, that a family will make.  I am so honored to offer my experience to ensure that process goes well from start to finish.  The opportunity to meet so many incredible people and to positively influence this important event makes me so grateful to be able to do what I do.

What is your background?
I spent 2 decades in the Financial Industry (Merrill Lynch) prior to becoming a realtor.  My experience servicing a wide variety of customers and clients, managing multiple operations organizations and mitigating risk translated seamlessly to Real Estate.  I apply the same client focus, operational and risk management disciplines one customer and transaction at a time.
 
Was there a certain experience that helped you become a Realtor?
This probably won’t be a surprise, but it was my own experience relocating to the area and buying a home that inspired me to be a Realtor.  My family relocated to Northeast Florida from Toronto and what a change that was!!!  The warm climate was not the only big transition in our lives as I was pregnant with our daughter Cahlie.  We toured over 20 homes in Duval and St. John’s county before making the decision to purchase a home in a new development (16 years ago!) called St. John’s Golf and Country Club (SJGCC).  As fate would have it, our next door neighbor, Bob Bullock was a site agent with SJGCC.  He was the one that encouraged me to obtain my Real Estate license.  Thanks Bob! 

All these years later, I still rely on my experience relocating to Northeast Florida as the basis for every customer I help.  I remember how overwhelming it can be.  Being there for my customers, whenever they need me remains a priority whether buying or selling a home.  They are not in this alone!  Finding or selling a home is a unique experience for each family and my team and I strive to deliver a personalized experience to find the right home or bring the right buyer for every customer.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
My team and I get to help families with one of the most important transactions they will ever make.  For some, it’s realizing the dream of becoming a home owner.  For others, it is helping them sell their home so they can move on to a new chapter in their lives.  To be part of that experience is such a privilege. 

I love the analytics we have at our disposal.   Leveraging that data, I can discuss with home sellers how the value of their home fits into the current real estate landscape.  I love the marketing we get to do for sellers.  Negotiations are always exciting and I enjoy combining my experience as well as the tools and influence of Watson Realty to give my clients the edge.  

Did you have a mentor?
I have had several pivotal people help me along the way, when I was new I had a business partner, Ruth Stigall, we worked together for a few years until she retired and moved north to be with family. One of my first Brokers, Mary Ann Bongiorno, was also instrumental in helping  me grow into my role as a Real Estate Agent. My Broker for several years, Mark Rosener, was always a great resource, he was recently promoted up to the Regional role and I now have a new Broker, Joe Saber, who is a seasoned veteran and whom I already feel will be a great ally as we continue to grow our team into all it can be. 

How has being a Realtor changed your life?
This job is incredibly challenging, when I take a moment and think back over my career in real estate so far, I am deeply grateful for the success I have found. In every way it is attributable to each customer I have met and helped. For all those customers who trusted in me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, we worked together and accomplished something! Whether selling or buying, each deal has its own nuances, its own twists and turns, its always exciting and very rewarding both financially and from a personal growth perspective.
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I was here during the most difficult time to sell a house, the real estate market plummeted, short sales and foreclosures were prevalent. I have had the opportunity to help sellers/families steer themselves through challenging situations, coming out the otherside better, whether surviving a short sale or making money on the sale of a home. I have helped buyers get excellent value for home purchases, I have had the pleasure of seeing great profits made that, if not for the downturn in the market, people would never have been able to achieve. I can’t think of another job that would allow me this kind of opportunity.

What is the key ingredient for success?
Treat each customer as you would want to be treated, listen and know their needs, keep an eye on the landscape for innovative ways to sell homes, stay current with regard to inventory and buyer options.

What do you love about St. Johns?
St. Johns county continues to grow and evolve, offering so many options to different tastes. Whether it’s golf course communities, retail, restaurants, wa­ter parks, tennis courts, blue lagoons, quiet houses on quiet streets, the ocean…there is something for everyone here.  It’s where we have proudly called home for the past 16 years and hope to for many more!

by Lauren Henry Rogers
Photos by Mindy Kerr at Nature's Child Photography

​A Jacksonville native, Dr. Mary Ann Kenneson of Blue Water Urology Associates is a board certified urologic surgeon who has become one of the region’s leading experts in urology. Establishing her practice in Northeast Florida has not only been a homecoming, but the embodiment of realized dreams. 

Dr. Kenneson began her medical career as a nurse and worked her way up to a surgeon. “I took the long road around to becoming a urologic surgeon,” jokes Dr. Kenneson, “but I wouldn’t want it any other way.” She first worked as an RN and then completed a Master’s Degree at the University of Florida as a nurse practitioner. It was while working as a nurse practitioner that she realized she wanted to become a surgeon. She was accepted into the University of Kentucky College of Medicine where she served as class president and graduated with honors. Dr. Kenneson completed her surgical residency training at the Ohio State University, spending an additional year on staff concentrating her focus on robotic surgery. 
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Growing up in Jacksonville, she graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and though school took her away, it was always her intent to return home. The road may have been winding, but Dr. Kenneson was laser focused on opening her office in Jacksonville, Florida where everything began. With family being the major force drawing her in, (her mother, brother and sister reside here), it has also been what keeps her here. Dr. Kenneson reminisces, “Before I moved back to Jacksonville, I used to laugh talking about a five year plan to get the entire family to join me in Florida once my surgical residency was complete.” Since relocating to Florida, both of her adult children have joined her in the Jacksonville area helping to fulfill this plan as she imagined. Dr. Kenneson remains strongly devoted to her family, and her practice, where she is beloved by her patients for her exceptional bedside manner and individualized treatment plans.

​Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a board certified urologic physician and surgeon. I treat all urologic diseases on both men and women. I am specifically trained in robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery, which usually helps decrease postoperative pain, bleeding, and length of hospital stay for patients. 



With such a broad background in medicine, how did you get into Urology?
A lot of people ask me, being female, how did I get into urology? The truth is, I kind of fell into it, but I also fell in love with it. For me, urology has been a field that allows me to continue using my strong medical background while allowing me to operate. It really is the perfect match for me. 

​What is your background?
I started my career as a two-year nurse before going back to school for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I then continued my journey as a nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing. It was while working in this physician extender role where I realized my love of surgery. This led me to attend medical school and, as they say, the rest is history. 

Was there a certain experience as a young person that led you to become a doctor? Please tell the story.
I’ve always been a “hands on” type of person and was drawn to medicine from an early age. The ability to make a lasting impact in people’s lives for the better captivated me. Getting the exposure to performing procedures as a nurse practitioner and the increased interaction with the doctors and surgeons helped me discover what I was really meant to do: become a doctor, and more importantly, a surgeon. 

What aspect of your work do you enjoy most?
I love the relationships I have with my patients. I truly get as much from them as they get from me. The interaction I have now with my patients as a doctor continues to make me dedicated and compassionate about this field.

Did you/do you have a mentor?
There was a urologic surgeon when I was working as a nurse practitioner at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky who inspired me. I just loved his interaction with his patients and he was an awesome surgeon and an all around great person. He was a great mentor and I have always appreciated that. 

How does being a Doctor change your life?
The responsibility can be unimaginably sobering and at the same time extremely rewarding.

What are the newest/best treatments for women’s health today?
We have just introduced the Mona Lisa Touch as an addition to the therapies provided at our office and I think it’s going to be a game changer for women’s health. The Mona Lisa Touch is an innovative, clinically proven, minimally invasive laser treatment that improves pelvic health. In the past we had to rely on hormonal therapy. Now we have an exciting alternative without the associated risk. It is exciting for women’s health as a whole and we’re already seeing phenomenal results. 
 
What sets your practice apart?
I think my communication skills with patients, really being able to listen and understand what’s wrong, sets me apart from the rest. I think oftentimes, as physicians, we get so busy that we really don’t stop to listen, and I make that a huge part of my practice, listening, so that I can actually help with the problems that are bothering the patients. I also credit my outstanding medical team at Blue Water Urology Associates for being so friendly and professional to our patients and for helping to provide advanced care to the men and women of Northeast Florida. As a whole, we seek to work together with our patients and provide exceptional care from the minute they enter our door and I believe this also sets us apart.

What is your favorite activity when you are not working? Do you have any hobbies?
I like anything outdoors; gardening, fishing, boating, and watching Jags games, you name it! I also love spending time with my family and friends and playing with my grandson. It has become a tradition to host Sunday night dinners and everyone comes over for a day of grilling out, laughing and enjoying time together. 

What is your favorite place or thing to do in our community?
My favorite place is the Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island area, exploring the shops on Center Street downtown, listening to music at the Green Turtle, and trying every pizza spot available, but my favorite thing to do is spend time fishing offshore, hence the name Blue Water Urology Associates.  

*For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call #904.644.8353 or visit Dr. Kenneson’s website, bluewaterurology.com or find her on Facebook by searching Blue Water Urology Associates today. 

​How many pets do you have?  Why did you choose that specific type of breed or type?
We have a quarterhorse named Copper, a golden retriever named Sunny  and 2 shih-tzus (Izzy & Fitzie), 3 cats (Pepper, Barnaby & Charlotte), a lion headed rabbit (Nala), and a hamster (Alvin).  I have always loved golden retrievers because of their amazing dispositions and I wanted a dog that I could take to schools, serve as a mascot for our hospital and be involved with our Vets N Training program.  We consider Sunny a “Therapy” dog, as she offers smiles to people and pets here at PRF.

Why are they part of the family? 
Our pets have always been an intricate part of our family as we share love and joy with them and because of them.  And our firm belief that God put animals on the earth for our use and in our care, gives us a heartfelt dedication to our fury friends.

How does having pets make the family stronger, happier?
Our firm belief that God our creator put animals on the earth for man to utilize and to care for, gives us a feeling of dedication and responsibility to look after them.   Our children learn a great deal from taking care of our pets, and understanding the root foundations of life and love from our dear friends. 

What does having a pet teach children? 
Having a pet teaches children responsibility in their care, and how to offer unconditional love.  

What is the funniest family pet story from your life or practice?
Izzy is the youngest dog in the family and she has a very mischievous and bubbly personality.  She is always getting into trouble but she gets away with it because she is so darn cute.  One of her favorite things to do is play chase outside.  One day, while my son was walking the dogs, her leash slipped out of Gavin's hands after she saw a cat dart into the woods.  She ran directly into the thick marshy woods, dragging her leash behind, all the while leaping over the brush like a deer.  Brad, who was dressed for work, proceeded to follow her through the woods. She did not respond to her name although she would look back at him intermittently with a devilish look.  Eventually he came to a neighbors back yard and had lost sight of her.  When he got back to the house to regroup, he found her hanging out on the back porch with a big smile on her face safe and sound and ready for another game of chase!

​A  little background on Team Kaprelian. 

Kasia and Mark (Team Kaprelian) are real estate professionals and Broker Associates at Watson Realty Corp. with 35 years of combined experience.  They specialize in new construction and marketing existing homes in St Johns county.  While helping buyers and sellers find their dream home is the main focus, Team Kaprelian also incorporates a dynamic background in land development and home flipping to complement their knowledge and best serve their customers.

It's been a few years since our community has caught up with you.  What has changed since then? 

Other than getting a few years older, not much.  We have slowed down our home flips and land development, focusing almost exclusively now on selling existing homes.
 
Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

As real estate broker license holders and entrepreneurs, we are always looking for ways to grow and be creative with our business.   We’ve always been attracted to the idea of opening up our own real estate office.  Watson Realty has proven to be a quality real estate brokerage firm allowing us the ability to focus solely on our customers and not worrying about running an office at the same time.  You can be sure that if we see a new real estate project that interests/grabs us, but will not take up too much of our free time, we will not shy from taking it on, it’s in our blood.  

As a small team you have a unique approach to helping people buy and sell homes - What are some of the ways you best serve your clients?
We have been working successfully side by side for almost 2 decades now and more importantly, we still enjoy it!  Our skill sets and expertise have very little overlap.  There are so many moving parts in real estate that we do not know how we would be able to properly serve our customers without the two of us.  We often laugh with our customers that by hiring us they get 2 for the price of 1.

Why are you passionate about Real Estate?

We have asked ourselves why we are so passionate about real estate.  We have touched almost every aspect of it, yet we still can’t get enough, from home flipping, to home and commercial investing, to being property landlords, to developing lots and of course to working with our customers buying and selling homes.  We haven’t lost one bit of our passion.  Just think about the ability to share in the emotion of a home buyer closing on their home for the first time, what do they say,  “priceless.”

You have developed a strong partnership with Lennar Homes.  Can you tell us a little about this?

We do have good relationships with many of the local home builders including DR Horton, Emerald Homes, Mattamy Homes, KB Home, David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Providence Homes, CalAtlantic Homes (now part of Lennar), Cottage Home Company, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, CornerStone Homes and Lennar.
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Each and every home builder brings something positive to the table.  There will always be areas each builder could still improve on, the same could be said about all of us I guess.  It is important to fully understand each and every home builder’s strengths and weaknesses.  The best outcome in any real estate transaction is one that benefits all parties, so working closely with each builder and especially their site agents is critical.

​Now  back to your question, why do we like working with Lennar, the short answer is it all starts at the top.

The President:
We not only show our customers Lennar homes, but we also make purchasing decisions for a property investment firm which has recently chosen Lennar as its preferred new construction builder.  We took the time to meet Matt Devereaux, Division President for Lennar.  First he readily accepted our invitation to meet with him.  As you can imagine, someone who hand signs every thank you letter to his customers would be the type of person to openly meet and discuss Lennar products, strategy, and personal philosophy. We also fully realize that if you have a quality person with the proper level of knowledge and experience to lead, then it is likely the rest of the company will follow suit, which in our experience is the case with the Lennar team.

The Products:
Lennar is a value builder, but we want to be very careful how we state that.  In some people’s eyes “value” can mean cheap.  That is exactly opposite of what we think value is.  To us value means you get a very well built, very well upgraded home at an affordable price.  The new construction industry is infamous for advertising low pricing and then showing you model homes with a lot of upgrades, so you end up spending tens of thousands of dollars more than you originally intended to. Lennar has greatly minimized the bait and switch feel of new construction home buying with its Everything Included (EI) philosophy.  Basically what that means is in communities like Palencia our customers do not pay extra for crown molding, quartz counters, 5 inch base boards, screened lanais, paved driveways, paved lanais, led lighting, high tech controls, appliances and the list goes on.  We think it’s a better way of doing business.  Plus Lennar also completes many homes before they are sold (known as spec homes), which lets our customers see exactly what they are buying.  We do like working with other builders as well when it comes to spec homes: our customers know what they are purchasing upfront, no surprises.  But we definitely have to go the extra mile with other builders when it comes to “to-be-built homes” to ensure our customers get what they think they are buying.  This extra effort is especially important not only inside the house on a to-be-built home but it’s also critical with the lot. We never stop saying: you can always remodel a home but you can never change a lot.  What Lennar is not is a custom builder, for that need we would have to bring our customer to another builder.  Custom builders have their niche of course, we couldn’t really classify any custom builder as a value builder, but we do work with buyers who want everything to be exactly as they want it, personalized, that takes a custom builder and that does drive up the homes cost significantly.

The Employees:
Lennar’s philosophy embraces the team approach, customer care specialists, warranty staff, preferred lending personnel and title companies, site agents (sales people who are the customer’s first contact and remain so throughout the process), sales managers working in tandem with site agents and a director of sales and marketing  like Matt Figlesthaler ( see photo) who we know we can count on if we need  assistance in any way as he has gained our trust.
Every time one of our customers signs on the dotted line with a builder, we put our own reputation on the line, so we need to know we have support at the top of the organization should things not turn out perfectly. All builders will make some mistakes, the more homes you build the more likely something may go wrong, it is how it's  fixed that really matters. Homes can be the biggest investment some people ever make, something that important has to be done right.

What are your goals for the upcoming year in Real Estate?

We want to keep expanding our real estate businesses throughout St Johns county, focusing primarily on residential real estate as Broker Associates with Watson Realty Corp. at this time.

We always like to ask our featured businesses this question: What is your favorite thing to do in St. Johns in your free time?

We enjoy riding our bikes together and love dining out with the kids downtown in St Augustine. Kasia really enjoys outdoor trails and Mark loves to play golf (whenever Kasia lets him): Palencia, King & Bear and the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass are his favorite three. 
Having moved from Cape Cod to Florida 10 years ago now, we find St Augustine, where we live, to be uniquely different than the Cape yet remarkably the same, so it feels like we have never left our roots, it feels like home.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about Team Kaprelian?
We love reading St Johns Magazine!

A smile is often the first thing you see when you look at a person.  Which is why it is important to entrust the health and beauty of your smile to a highly skilled dentist who puts your care first. Dr. Jonas Ashbaugh, Owner of Blue Sky Dental Group, is that kind of dentist and his dedication to his patients is apparent in every detail of his practice.

“Dr. Jonas” opened Blue Sky Dental Group in July 2017. He always knew he wanted to settle down in north Florida with his family and was excited when the opportunity presented itself to open his own practice here.  He studied at the University of Florida and later went on to dental school at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army and became a Captain, providing dental care to soldiers and their families.

For Dr. Jonas, one of his greatest joys in life is the look on his patient’s faces when they see their dental work come together. He shared the story of a patient who was born without four teeth.  He required extensive dental work over a period of time, including braces and grafts.  In the end Dr. Jonas was able to pull it all together and give this man a new smile.  He will never forget the day the man saw his smile after completion of all that work.  It literally transformed his face. Dr. Jonas says it was a privilege to serve him.  While not all cases are that dramatic, it is the ability to help people that gives Dr. Jonas his passion for dentistry.

A combination of low stress and high-level technology reflects the philosophy of care at Blue Sky Dental Group. When you enter the office you instantly recognize it as a place where patient care and comfort are highly valued.   From the beautiful modern design of the waiting room, special touches like bottled water and fresh coffee to the courteous and attentive staff who greets you.

Patient rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs where you can watch Netflix, snuggle up with a pillow and blanket while using our wireless headphones to relax with the sounds of your favorite music. The aroma from warm, scented towels provides the perfect ending for your visit.
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Dr. Jonas believes cutting edge technology contributes to a more productive and comfortable dental visit. In well-appointed treatment rooms, Dr. Jonas provides state-of-the-art care using digital x-ray machines which subject patients to much lower levels of radiation than traditional x-ray machines. They also have 3D x-ray technology, which gives us a more in-depth view of dental tissues.

            ​Bernard Diggs and The New Diggs Team is one of the top real estate teams in Northeast Florida and expanding across the nation! In particular, The New Diggs Team is now serving clients in Southern California and Norfolk Virginia. Bernard Diggs is a U.S. Navy Veteran who is continuing his service as an active reservist currently. He is a proud husband, father of two, and one of the most dedicated young entrepreneurs in the St. Johns/ Jacksonville area. With his warm personality and big heart, he couldn’t contain his success in real estate to only one area. His real estate team expansion model is only part of his success story. 
How he started his real estate team and is now expanding it on a national scale is a truly inspirational story of an underdog who changed the paradigm and found his life’s purpose in helping families buy and sell homes.
     Bernard was raised with two loving parents who fought against all odds to provide opportunity for him and his siblings. “Opportunity” is the key word Bernard focuses on when describing his gratitude towards his parents and his dedication for each of his clients.  A tremendous milestone for Bernard gave birth at the age of 13. Bernard’s dad encouraged him to learn the value of money and hard work by creating his own business idea that brought him financial gain. Bernard took his father’s advice, restored a broken lawn mower, and began advertising his lawn service business to the neighborhood. Single handedly he grew this business and even hired two of his close friends to work for him. This learning lesson later translated to further business opportunities. His hopes of building a team who provides real estate dreams come true is his passion. This passion is proven in his growth and success. 
     Bernard’s dedication to his clients and team members are invaluable. His desire to provide the best experience possible for his buyers and sellers goes above and beyond.

​     The foundation of New Diggs Team began after Bernard’s real estate career tripled in the first few years. After analyzing the “why” to his success, he realized this could be translated and produced to further enhance his client’s experience through a team and not just one. His drive to promote a team model that served not only their customers but each other. In encouragement, motivation, and family atmosphere he has provided a home for his team members. This relational direction of working real estate is what felt most natural for Bernard.  With the support of his mentor, friend, and broker James Angelo, owner of Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage,  this dream became a reality. James has grown his brokerage to be one of the top 10 brokerages in Northeast Florida with continuous office additions to accommodate his quickly rising real estate agents. With this experience, James has been able to guide Bernard and the New Diggs Team into becoming one of the top producing realtor groups in Northeast Florida. 

Bernard has chosen to spotlight one particular agent from New Diggs Team. Ana “Rockstar” McCann is her name and real estate energy is her game! Ana counts each day as a blessing because she feels she has truly found what she loves to do. She enjoys all the buying and selling, the negotiating, and especially capturing the best deal for her customers. Ultimately culminating to that “AHA!” moment where her clients find a place to call their home. She is grateful to be part of one of the best teams in helping clients achieve their goals and dreams in home ownership. Ana has been  a St. Johns county resident for the past 9 years, and a Jacksonville resident prior to that since the ‘90s. Her relational, friendly, compassionate personality is easy to gravitate towards. Her education background includes graduating from University of Florida and working in the education field. She enjoys gardening, bike riding, and spending time with her two teenagers. Ana’s energy and relentless work ethic pours into the New Diggs Team and their customers. She will not stop until her client’s real estate needs are met. 

Thank You Ana for your love of real estate and servitude! Started From the Bottom, Now We Are Here! 

     New Diggs for the New Year is the New Diggs Team new year motto. They are offering a guaranteed sale program where their team makes one promise: they sell your home or they buy it themselves! In addition, they are offering a 1 year “love it, or leave it” program for home buyers. Since this program allows buyers to purchase a home with the assurance that they’ll sell it for free (if they are not completely happy with it), it has created a larger home buyer base for them. In return, more buyers means more chances that someone will buy your home. Furthermore, their marketing plan for 2018 is phenomenal! The end result: more exposure for your home.  In combination with their expansion from St. Johns FL to Southern California and Norfolk Virginia, they are now in multiple cities/states to continue to serve you.

For more information please visit newdiggs.myfhrm.com/  or https://www.facebook.com/newdiggsteam/

 When you pass through the giant medieval-esque doors of Fionn MacCool’s you enter another world.  Dark ambiance, a finely crafted wooden bar (from Ireland), and the smell of comfort foods like shepherd's pie and fish and chips defines the Fionn MacCool experience. It is the quintessential Irish pub and restaurant with delicious food made from scratch and a warm welcoming atmosphere where Guinness flows freely.  The good news is Fionn MacCool’s will open a new 150-seat Nocatee Location in December at the Shoppes of St. Johns Oaks (145 Hilden Road). 

St. Johns magazine wanted to learn more about the people behind Fionn MacCool’s so we spoke with Amy McNulty, who owns and runs the business with co-owners Joe Moye (her brother) and General Manager Paul Glaser.

Amy had always wanted to open an authentic Irish pub. A place that would reflect her love for Irish culture and her Irish ancestry. “Our great grandparents were from County Cork. As natives of Jacksonville we wanted a genuine and authentic Irish experience at home”.  They chose to expand in St. Johns county because of the tremendous growth in the area.
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After visiting Ireland numerous times, even running in the Dublin Marathon, she had experienced a variety of pubs and done her research. She  was ready to make the dream a reality and opened Fionn MacCool’s in 2005. She says, “Fionn’s is a genuine Irish Pub. The word pub is derived from “Public House”, originally a place for everyone to meet and relax after a long day’s work. We have great food, great service, live music, and plenty of pints and whiskey! We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable, as if you were coming into our home” Another part of what gives Fionn MacCool’s is authenticity may be the fact that furnishings, bar and cabinetry are built in Ireland. 
“We want people in St. Johns to know that Fionn MacCool’s is great for Everybody.  “Its a family place, a pub and a restaurant where any age is welcome from little kids to retirees and everyone in between," Joe added.

General Manager Paul Glaser has been in the restaurant business his entire adult life, joining Fionn MacCool’s twelve years ago.  “I treat each day like I am throwing a party at my house and I want every guest to be happy they came and had an exceptional time”.  A feeling of hospitality definitely permeates the atmosphere.  They strive to make people feel special and happy.  Paul recalled once when a young navy guy asked them to help him with his marriage proposal.  “He came to me the week before and wanted to propose on our river patio and wanted to film it but the camera had to be hidden so she wouldn't get tipped off.  So we had a decoy table set up with people hiding behind menus with the camera a few tables away.  He wanted a special song to be played so we had a portable radio for the ready too.  He got up went inside like he was going to the restroom and we set everything in motion.  He  knocked on the window from inside.  When he walked back out on the patio we started the song and camera he got down on one knee and proposed it was very romantic for a young guy. His girl said yes and we had it all on film.  We popped open a bottle of champagne for them.  As far as we know they are happily married to this day.”

What would an Irish pub be without a good ancient tale behind it? The restaurant is named for Fionn mac Cumhaill or “Finn McCool” who is known for being a great warrior in Irish myths. He was the greatest leader of the Fianna, an elite military clan responsible for the protection of the High King of Ireland. Fionn implemented a code of honor into the Fianna; which had a reputation for being somewhat unruly. Another legend includes Fionn as a giant, creating the Giant’s Causeway, a peculiar series of volcanic rock formations along the coast of Ireland. He did this to challenge a Scottish giant to a fight and allow passage from Scotland to Ireland.

Please look forward to next month’s issue when our Foodie Blogger Lori Allen will give you the scoop on the food at Fionn MacCool’s! www.fionnmacs.com/www.fionnmacs.com/

​Janine Lafiteau is an artist and former art teacher who, with her husband Ted, opened Creative Me Art Studio in St. Johns last year.  St. Johns Magazine wanted to learn a little more about this interesting and creative business where artists of every age and skill level may learn and grow.

Why did you start Creative Me Art Studio?
I wanted an opportunity to share my artistic talent and teaching the skills needed to allow both children and adults to discover their inner artist.
 
Who is involved in running the business?
Myself – Janine Lafiteau and my husband, Ted.  I am responsible for creating and teaching the classes and workshop that we run here at the studio as well as running our Summer Art Camp and hosting a variety of birthday parties and events. Ted is responsible for administrative aspects of the business – such as: Marketing, Managing the books, Scheduling the monthly calendar, Managing the web-site and Coordinating visits made by outside groups.
 
What are some of the services you offer?
Art classes for children and adults including:  Instructional Adult only classes on Tuesdays, Art education classes for home schooled children each Wednesday, Mommy & Me classes on Thursdays, Visiting group classes and Family Fun Nights on Fridays and Advanced art classes for tweens and teens on Saturdays.  We also offer canvas painting events for adults (Wine & Canvas, Business Team Builders and Fund Raisers) and children (Cookies & Canvas) as well as Custom art themed birthday parties.  We also just launched an after-school program held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. called, “Crafternoon Activities”. This gives kids an opportunity to do a different craft/art lesson every day.
 
What is your favorite part about owning your business?
Through the creation and building of Creative Me Art Studio, I have been able to bring a lifelong dream of having my own studio to fruition.  Having an opportunity to share my passion for art with others and showing people that with a little instruction they can create amazing pieces of art. In addition, I really enjoy working with my husband as we make a really great team and have lots of fun each day.
 
Do you have a background in art?
I have been an artist from an early age.  In college majored in Education with a minor in Art.  Upon receiving my Bachelor’s Degree, I embarked upon a 19 year career as an elementary school teacher – 12 of those years were spent in the classroom teaching all grades between Kindergarten and 5th. The other 7 years were as the art teacher.
 
Who is your favorite artist and why?
Although there are many I like, Brazilian artist Romeo Britto is my very favorite.  I love his use of thick black lines and vivid colors and patterns as well as a very unique style that always makes me happy.
 
What makes your business unique?
We offer a wide variety of classes, workshops and art related events for all ages from 3 to 93.  We also offer customized birthday parties and we host an extremely flexible “Mom friendly” Summer Camp Program, wherein you can come day by day on a pay as you go basis, in comparison to other camps wherein you have to book for a minimum of a week and if you miss a day, you have to pay anyway. In addition, we integrate technology into our lessons.  We employ the use of a document camera that basically digitally captures my lesson and broadcasts the images onto large flat panel T.V. sets mounted to the walls of the studio.  Therefore, no matter where you’re seated in the studio, you have a close up view of the instructions…making it much easier to follow along.
 
What kinds of projects do people most like and why?
Our most popular step by step instructional classes are our acrylic painting on canvas.  Kids love it because the can make instant wall art and adults love it because even though most of our customers are amateur artists, they’re very proud that they were able to create a masterpiece of their very own via step-by-step instructions.
 
What is a memorable experience related to your business? 
One day we had a special needs child visit the studio for the first time.  The lesson that day, was step-by-step canvas painting.  Canvas painting, as you know, involves many steps to complete…which is difficult for any amateur artist.  After an hour and a half of teaching this child, he and his parents were so proud of how he remained focused and completed a gorgeous piece of artwork.  We were so happy to be part of this special moment.
 
What are some of your challenges?
Many of our customers have gotten to know us through their friends or family – which is wonderful – as word of mouth is our best endorsement.  However, getting word out there of our existence to the community at large has been difficult as advertising takes up a large portion our limited budget.
 
What are your goals for the future?
To provide a wide variety of classes, workshops and art related events that would cater to every type of artist, at any age, within our surrounding community.  We would love to be the go to place to allow your inner artist to bloom.

​SJM: Who are you and What do you do?
MEGAN: I’m Megan Welch. I’m a painter, educator, wife and mom. 

SJM:Why do you do what you do?
MEGAN: I think that my “why” has a lot to do with my family. I spent a lot of my childhood in community theatre with my entire family. My grandmother sewed costumes, my parents directed and acted in shows, my brother’s a great writer and has worked in a variety of technical positions. A creative life equates to normalcy to me. Growing up I was never discouraged from a life in the arts so that’s probably how I got to this point.

SJM: How do you work (explain your process)?
MEGAN: Typically I work in series. Once I find something that inspires me, I try to exhaust the topic from a variety of differing imagery in sketchbooks, through quick studies, until I have the basis for paintings. I use my daughter quite often as a reference, sometimes she’s a stand in for me, a symbol of something I want to say, or simply herself. She’s pretty young and probably wouldn’t sit for me for the length of time I’d need for her to in order to paint from life, so I generally take reference pictures of her to paint from. I also paint my friends, I try to not take up too much of their time so I take reference photos of them as well. I usually don’t end up with one perfect reference for each so my paintings are usually composited of a variety of reference photos I’ve taken. Once I have my reference photos I generally create a charcoal and chalk drawing that will serve as my roadmap for a painting. Once I’ve done that I create my substrate, which is usually canvas. I do a good amount of underpainting with red, burnt sienna, or pink. I’m not sure why I gravitate to those colors, but one of my grad school professors tells me Titian began his work similarly so I guess I’m in good company. Once I get the underpainting done, I start in with the parts I’m most afraid to paint first, I like to get the nerves over with early on. Stare down the beast. I keep a pretty disciplined studio practice. Each night around 8:00, I go into my studio and I work until I reach a stopping point, usually around 11:00. Weekends I work in the morning until someone in my house wants to go do something and I typically come and go frequently, not really sticking with a time period. Toward the end of a painting, I like to leave it for a day or two between passes because I tend to become blind to the faults in the work toward the end. I have a few artists I’m friends with who I show my work to for feedback. I also show my work to my mom and one of my close friends who don’t mince words with me. If something’s wrong, they’re going to tell me. At this point I will usually begin the process over again with another work or go on to a commission if I have one.

SJM: What is your background?
MEGAN: In retrospect, I think I was a pretty weird kid. My theatre family didn’t always get me cool points with the kids in my small southern town and being raised a vegetarian didn’t help either. What I think was so valuable looking back, is that my parents instilled in my brother and I, a great reverence for the arts and the importance of living a creative life. Fitting in wasn’t something that was important to our parents, so we learned early on that we should be fulfilled in more substantive ways. As a result, I went into my BFA Painting program at the University of North Florida without an ounce of worry my parents would cut me off like so many of my classmates did. In my undergrad, I realized how special my family was, and that not all kids grow up with parents who love the arts so I wanted to be the person in the lives of art students who told them that they could. That they could carve out a life for themselves in the arts. That they could be fulfilled and successful in the arts. So four days after I graduated, I walked into my first teaching job. Twelve years later, I’m still loving it. 

SJM: What has been a seminal experience?
MEGAN: It’s weird to me how someone’s birth can remind us of our mortality. When my daughter was born I wasn’t doing much creatively. Yes, I was teaching art, technically I spent everyday creating, but I wasn’t making work that was my own. I realized that I didn’t even have a space to create in my house. The thought of my daughter not realizing I was an artist felt deeply upsetting. It was so strange to me, that feeling of wanting to impress this tiny human, but it worked. I started out strangely enough drawing these goldfish I saw on Instagram. I wasn’t really doing anything profound with these fat little fish, they were just something to draw, but they helped me get back into the habit of creating. So I guess the birth of my daughter has been the most formative experience of my life so far, and weirdly enough, some goldfish.

SJM: How has your practice changed over time?
MEGAN: I’m getting my MFA right now at Savannah College of Art & Design and early in my first studio class I realized that many of my creative “choices” were really just fears in disguise. I was avoiding working with subjects I was afraid I wouldn’t be good enough to paint. I decided then and there that I would go after what I was afraid of. I wouldn’t let my fears stop me from where I wanted to be as an artist. That was the first class I painted a portrait for. I haven’t stopped since.

SJM: What aspect of your work do you enjoy most?
MEGAN: The best moments are the heady, giddy feelings when I step back from a work and I can’t believe I made it.

SJM: What food or drink inspires you?
MEGAN: Anything that is made by someone passionate about their work. Whether its local produce, my mom’s peach salsa, or wine from Tuscany. The love is palpable.

SJM: What is your strongest memory of childhood?
MEGAN: Painting with my grandma. We used to sit in her “Florida Room”, which I guess most people would call a back porch, I’m not sure why we called it the Florida Room, is that a thing? I digress… We would paint Bob Ross copies out there for hours and the smell of the oil paint would hang over us and stick to our skin like the swampy humidity outside. I loved every minute of it. 

SJM: What is your scariest memory of childhood?
MEGAN: My friends and I used to do some pretty stupid things growing up. By far our most dangerous involved us rollerblading down the steepest hill we knew of. We would fly down the hill and if a car came while we were flying around the curve at the end of the hill we would throw ourselves into a retention ditch before presumably getting hit by the car. As an adult, I cannot think of much in my everyday life scarier than almost hitting an eight year old, only to watch that child fling herself off a cliff into a ditch. Who even knows how we didn’t break every bone in our bodies. 

SJM: Have you had any other jobs besides being an artist?
MEGAN: Being an art teacher. I’ve taught all grades K-12. Now, I teach at Nease High School here in St. John’s County. I also worked in restaurants waiting tables and bartending while in college. Nothing teaches more about humanity than waiting tables.

SJM: What has been your most memorable response to your work?
MEGAN: I recently painted my daughter as a hot pink Creature from the Black Lagoon-esque monster. She didn’t see it until I was pretty much done with painting the portion that included her and she wandered into my studio one morning without me noticing. I was in our kitchen and I heard, “MOMMA. I am NOT a MONSTER… but I do like being pink!”

​SJM: Who are you and what do you do?
MELISSA: I am a wife, a mother of 3, I am strong, an independent thinker, a fly by the seat of my pants girl, I am full of joy and Jesus, I have a very competitive spirit, I wear my heart on my sleeve, I am a pretty butterfly and free spirit. I am a self-taught, mixed media artist. I mostly use acrylic paints, watercolors, and handmade papers in my art. I sometimes use metals, found objects, and fabrics also.

SJM: Why do you do what you do?
MELISSA: In 2005, I was involved in a car accident that left my Suburban wrapped around a concrete light pole. Amazingly, I walked away from it, but was left with a head injury and excruciating neck and upper back pain. I am an interior designer by trade, and my accident left me unable to really work. My days were filled with doctor’s appointments, trying to take care of my 3 young children while my husband was on deployment in the Navy, and unable to work because of the pain in my head, neck, and upper back.  It also left me with a deep, undeniable, depression.  After about a year of struggling through everything, I realized that part of the problem was that my creativity was so bottled up with nowhere to go.  I started  searching for something to channel my thoughts and energy into.  I was searching Etsy one day for inspiration, and came across some mosaic belt buckles, and thought to myself, I can do better than that, I decided my medium would be gemstones, glass beads, metal beads, and vintage jewelry components. Instead of using grout to secure them, I used glue.  Eventually, looking for another challenge, I started painting.

SJM: What is your background?
MELISSA: My background is in Interior Design. I have been a designer in Jacksonville for almost 30 years. I studied Interior Design at Iowa State University and FCCJ in Jacksonville. I managed the decorating department at Brinton’s Paint Company for 7 years before opening my own store, Oak Street Designs, in Riverside in 1996.  My partner, Denise Moore, and I had our retail shop and design company until making the decision to close in 2001. I’ve worked out of my home studio ever since.  It’s been a very rewarding career that has given me much joy and allowed me to meet some amazing people in the city of Jacksonville. I feel incredibly blessed to do what I do.

SJM: How do you work (explain your process)?
MELISSA: I really like using words or phrases in my work.  I’m very deliberate in the papers or books I use to create a mood or inspiration in whatever the subject matter is that I’m creating. My ultimate goal is always to bring a smile or joy to the person who purchases my piece. I am a lover of color, and my pieces are always full of intense, bright, colors. Although I appreciate pastel and neutral paintings, every time I have tried to create a piece like that, the color has a way of creeping in and taking over! I think because of my interior design background, balance, proportion, and texture (visual or tactile) are the most important elements that go into my work. 

SJM: How has your practice changed over time & what aspect of your work do you enjoy most?
MELISSA: When I first starting creating my belt buckles and jewelry, I didn’t really consider myself an artist. It was more of an outlet of expression for my mental health and sanity. But when people wanted what I had created, and asked for more, I started to value what I was doing, and it made me want to do more. I don’t think I’m any different from a lot of other artists that look for other avenues to be creative in.  When I started painting, I think my work was more 1 dimensional and flat. I tended to not experiment with blending and layering colors. Over the last few years, I’ve become bolder with my color combinations, and layering techniques. I‘ve started using molding pastes and pouring mediums in my work to create even more texture. I’m enjoying the collage effect my work sometimes takes on. I love experimenting with blending and overlapping colors to see how they relate to each other and the papers that are used in the piece. I also love creating paintings with all paper. I use cutting and tearing techniques to create the subject matter and different pattern combinations. I’ve also started creating some Monet like abstracts.  I think I get a little lost in the creative process, because I’m always surprised in how the patterns and layers relate to each other in the finished piece and not really knowing necessarily how I got there.  I love walking away for a while, then coming back to it and seeing a new combination that I didn’t notice before.

SJM: Did you have a mentor?
MELISSA: My mentor is absolutely my best friend, Jennifer McCully, who is an incredibly talented artist in Orlando, FL. I’ve watched her career from the very beginning, being one of her biggest fans.  She was the one who encouraged me to pick up a paint brush beside her and helped me create my first piece.  She’s always been very quick to inspire me to follow my heart and pull the creativity from within myself. She’s taught me to look for inspiration everywhere around me.

SJM: What is your strongest memory of childhood?
MELISSA: The two people who I feel have shaped the person I have become would have be my mother and my step mother. My mother always allowed experimentation and encouraged creativity. She taught me how to sew, how to cross stitch, and took my sister and I, to pottery

​making and painting classes as children. She taught us to think for ourselves and embrace our own paths. She loved to garden and always filled our yard with tons of different colored plants and flowers. I remember sometimes feeling like a square peg in a round hole when I looked at the people around me, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s given me a confidence in knowing who I am as a person and what I stand for. One of my favorite memories, was “wallpapering” my room with the pages of animals out of my Ranger Rick magazines. I remember always walking into my room and just feeling like I was getting a big hug from all the animals and colors that surrounded me.

SJM: What is your scariest memory of childhood?
MELISSA: My stepmother on the other hand, showed me how to be resilient, strong, and taught me never to give up. She taught me my competitive nature. We had horses, and she got me into barrel racing and western pleasure showing. There were lots of times that I fell off my horse but no matter the dirt or tears involved, I was always made to get back on, even if just to sit on his back for a minute. I was never allowed to give up or throw a pity party for myself. The scariest memory I have of my childhood was  the summer between 5th and 6th grade, I happen to be standing on the running board of our small tractor, riding with her while she mowed our pasture. When we were returning the mower attachment to our neighbors that she borrowed it from, she thought she would be kind and mow an area of long grass for them.  She hit a large piece of equipment hidden in the grass, and it threw me off the tractor and under the back wheels of our tractor.  My right leg got hung up as I fell and it badly got dislocated. I had a broken left collar bone, and crushed the bones in my left hand. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks.

SJM: Have you had any other jobs besides being an artist?
MELISSA: In addition to my work as an interior designer, I worked in my family’s paint and wallcovering store through high school, and I’ve worked in retail clothing stores, and waitressed through college. I also got my real estate license 2 years ago.

SJM: What has been your most memorable response to you work?
MELISSA: I have 2 most memorable responses to my work. The first was at the Riverside Arts Market. I had a booth of my artwork, and a women approached and was looking at my paintings and all of a sudden got so excited at seeing my mixed media work of sunflowers, because I had used the At Home in Mitford book pages to create some of the petals on the sunflowers.  It was her favorite book, and sunflowers were her favorite flower. My second memory is of a sweet older man who came into a shop where I was delivering some furniture pieces that I had decoupaged with very brightly patterned papers, and he saw one of my tables and immediately purchased it, telling me that he had just lost his wife, and that the table reminded him of her, and it made him happy.

​www.myartstudiotoday.com 
www.sinisagallery.com
www.sinisaart.com

​SJM: Who are you and what do you do?
SINISA: My name is Sinisa Saratlic. I am an architect and fine artist.  I was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslavia,  in 1954.     I graduated from University of Sarajevo, Department of Architectural studies, with B.S. in Architecture.

SJM: Why do you do what you do?
SINISA: My art is celebration of the concept of inspiration. Everything I see is a manifestation of divine energy and I believe in a divine power that controls all life. When I look at beauty, I’m inspired.  Some of my ideas come from my feelings and experiences .  I’m inspired by art of all kinds, including sculpture, painting, architecture, music  - just everything.
Art is my life!

SJM: How do you work?
SINISA: As time disappears, I try to stop everything what is an expression of beauty, emotion, or simply an interesting moment or a magic image of our life. So, I’m placing those elements into “windows” of feelings, to depict romantic women beauty or the charm of nature.  Seeing things through a window gives us sense of discovering something new, dreaming, waiting or remembering something that we used to have.
Acrylic is my favorite medium. It allows me to create depth and texture within the many transparent layers. My strokes are visible channels of energy and that is what excites me. Mostly I use acrylic, oils, pastel and watercolors. Sometimes I mix all of these techniques in the same piece of art. I like to experiment. My studio and  my worktable is just full of all these materials, and I use whatever I think will help me in getting the kind of effect that I want for pictures  I like to listen to music while I am working. I like to listen  all  kind of music from classical to roc and roll. Sometimes I work all night.
I have created a variety of works in different mediums, styles and subjects like figures, portraits, landscapes, still life, automotive art, abstractions and illustrations. Also I do architectural study models and artistic architectural renderings.

 SJM: What is your background?
SINISA:  My travel through the world of art begins at an  early age. A sketch book filled with ideas and intricate drawings was my best friend throughout childhood. My talent was recognized, and rewarded ever since elementary school. My art work became an important component of my  school’s exhibitions and competitions. When I was fifteen I sold my first painting
Paintings from period of 1979 -1992 combine ideas taken from my national heritage, European history, romantic landscapes and architecture. In that period my original paintings were inevitable part of galleries from Sarajevo, Belgrade, Dubrovnik, Korcula and other cites.
With the beginning of war in Bosnia I escaped with my family from Sarajevo, saving our lives and leaving everything else behind, including all my artwork. Everything disappears in disasters of war.   From 1992 to1997, I lived with my family in Belgrade where we began our new life. That was a very quiet period of my art life. I was busy working different jobs and providing for my family, and I was minimally focused on my artwork. That was very tough period in my life.  December of 1997 once again becomes a new starting point in my life and my family. We moved to United States, a new country, new culture, a new life.    I  came to United States in pursuit of new and better life for  me and my family.  I wasn’t afraid of starting life once again from the scratch. It was extremely hard in the beginning. But soon enough I started a new period of professional work as an artist and architect.  My first work in America doesn’t go by unnoticed and I brought home awards form exhibitions in St. Augustine, Florida. That inspired me further, and every free moment that I had, I used it to create artworks. Soon enough 24 hours in a day became insufficient for my inspiration and ideas.  New ideas, horizons, and new temptations brought to me a whole new level of inspiration, and I formed unique style of my artistic expression. 
My quest for “Ideal Beauty” and studying human emotions takes me into a contemporary portrayal of a woman.   As a freelance architect and artist I was included in lot of projects and art events throughout the Florida. Also I have been a judge at the State fair art show in South Carolina several times. Many of my artworks are in private and corporate collections around the world.
               
SJM:  What is integral to the work of an artist?
SINISA: Main idea, details, color palette and execution are integrals to “making up a whole “to the artwork.

SJM: What role does the artist have in society?
SINISA: The Artist must be everywhere, not only in galleries and museums. There are many problems in society and we need to solve the problems together. The artist must participate in every possible activity. Art can be a powerful way to bring communities together.  The same as artist in any era: to interpret societies to themselves, reflect ideas and representations of people and culture, help is understand ourselves. Art also has the capacity to heal, as therapeutic art is now commonly used to alleviate psychological trauma. So artist can help in finding the solution through his work to create harmony, positive energy peace, love, etc 

SJM: What has been a seminal experience?
SINISA: My work is influenced by my national heritage, European history, romantic landscapes and architecture.

SJM: Explain what you do in 100 words
SINISA: My art is essence of my being. My work conveys a sense of nostalgia and helps those viewing to be reminded of their own happiness. This is a mirror or window into which they can look to see their own happiness. Seeing things through a window gives us sense of discovering something new, dreaming, waiting or remembering something that we used to have.

​My art studio offers original acrylic and oil paintings, portraits, automotive art reproduction of artwork and freelance artist services. I am available for private and corporate commissions. My artwork is on display at the Art Center Gallery downtown Jacksonville at the Landing, suite 139.

SJM: How has your practice changed over time?
SINISA: My practice has changed over time depending on situation, inspiration, feelings, mediums, mood and atmosphere.

SJM: What art do you most identify with?
SINISA: I am most identifying with Old Masters like Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Raphael.

SJM: What work do you most enjoying doing?
SINISA: Surrealism work is one of my favorites because it’s kind of bridge between what we call modern art and classical art. Also the variety I also enjoying doing is distinctive Automotive Classic Car Fine Art.  

SJM: What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
SINISA: My travel through world of art has begun at my early age. Sketch book filled with ideas and intricate drawings was my best friend throughout my childhood. In school I was constantly getting in trouble for the doodling and scribbled during math, music and social studies. I also constantly drew pictures at home after school.  My talent was recognized, and rewarded ever since elementary school.  My art work was important component of my elementary   middle and high schools exhibitions and competitions. When I was fifteen my first painting was sold, then I was the happiest child in the world. So at that early age I had a sense that it was possible to make a living doing art. I’ve won a lot of awards for my art and it feels wonderful to know that my work is appreciated.

SJM: What themes do you pursue?
SINISA: Currently I am looking for ways to depict romantic beauty of classic cars in composition with beauty of the women body.

SJM: What’s your scariest experience?
SINISA: It was a moment when I put a coat of varnish on the finished  artwork, canvas size 32” x 40 “ to protect it. At that moment my work  suddenly disappeared from the surface of the canvas. I was scared when I saw it.   I was screaming: : “ OMG!!! My two-month  hard work was gone!”. I ran to find the camera to take a photo of it.  When I returned, I saw how my painting began to appear slowly on the surface of the canvas. After 25 minutes, my work finally came up. It was clear to me that there was a chemical reaction between color and varnish. I have never ever experienced anything like this in my life.
 
SJM: Who is your favorite artist?
SINISA: My favorite artist of the Renaissance is Leonardo Da Vinci. He was an Italian painter, a sculptor, an architect, engineer, musician and scientist He produced great works that captured the history and climate of the times that he created in. Many people of his time did not believe in the ability that he poses. I admire how he continued further, even if people are discouraging. Instead of thinking about what others think about him, he continued doing work they benefited humans from his time and even our time.