Unlocking Your Inner Potential |
A radiant, straight smile offers more than just a confidence boost. Local orthodontist Dr. Craig Hadgis recognizes this and strives to provide cutting-edge orthodontic treatment at affordable rates. At his practice, Smiles by Dr. Craig Hadgis Orthodontist, they aim to make every aspect of your experience enjoyable, ensuring you leave with a smile that shines bright. Dr. Hadgis and his team achieve this by seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art orthodontic technology with a welcoming, personable environment to deliver outstanding orthodontic care to our community. They offer a range of innovative treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, from children experiencing their first orthodontic evaluation to adults seeking the perfect smile. After joining the practice in 2018, Dr. Hadgis has recently assumed full ownership of the business. He looks forward to many more years of continuing the exceptional care that has made his practice a beloved favorite in the community. With locations in both St. Augustine and St. Johns, Smiles by Dr Craig Hadgis Orthodontist ensures families have access to stunning smiles. Recently, St. Johns Magazine had the opportunity to catch up with Dr. Hadgis to discover what sets his practice apart. |
I was raised in a dental family. My father practiced 50 years as a comprehensive general dentist with many advanced accreditations in implants, crown, and bridge. Also, both grandfathers had dental lab experience with one owning one of the first in the Detroit area. I have an engineering background with a master’s in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan. This helps with problem solving for treatment planning and the mechanics of moving teeth. Also, I was fortunate to have a vast clinical experience at both dental school and orthodontic residency. I was honored to be awarded the top prosthodontic award (crown and bridge) and have a year of advanced education in general dentistry. I completed my education with a post doctorate certification in orthodontics and have been a Diplomate with the American Board of Orthodontics for the past 11 years (an honor held by only about 30% of orthodontists nationwide).
What is the typical time frame for most patients?
From 5 months to one and half years
What cutting-edge technologies do you use?
I use the latest digital oral scanning technology and was the first practice in Northeast Florida to embrace these updated slimmer and faster scanners. I use them in digital planning such as Invisalign, Insignia, custom Damon braces, LightForce 3D printed clear braces, and metal printed appliances. They have six 3D cameras in the capture wand, and it replaces goopy impressions with scans that take only two minutes. My 3D x-rays show not only the teeth but their placement in the bone so I can easily move them without fear of compromising the roots. Centering the teeth in the bone also provides a more stable finish. I create digital custom treatment plans for each patient in braces and Invisalign. Plus, our retainers are made and ready for the day braces are removed by digitally removing braces from 3D printed models.
How does the use of the latest technology improve patient outcomes?
It increases efficiency and accuracy. It also helps with planning and fabrication of appliances such as braces, aligners, and metal printed expanders for a custom fit, and the accuracy of retainers which can be prepared immediately after removing braces. Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all therapy. Everyone’s anatomy is different, and we have the tools to respond to and optimize those differences and create their best smile.
What are some of the typical problems you see?
Overlapped and crowded teeth are the most frequent problem I see. In addition to the aesthetic reward of straight teeth, crowded teeth are more difficult to keep clean and since the teeth are out of place, the bite does not fit as it should, and wear becomes a problem over time.
What are the most common treatments?
Unraveling crowding can be done using braces or Invisalign so we tailor the treatment to the patient. Invisalign can be used on patients from age 7 to 80 and beyond so it is always an option in our hands. Because crowding is often a result of a narrow upper palate, we like to see children starting at Age 7 so if an expander is needed to make more room for the erupting teeth, we can get that heavy lifting done early and create a better environment for the permanent teeth to erupt in a much better position. We can accomplish all of that in just 6-9 months; That leaves less work to be done once all the teeth are in. When the teeth are closer to their final positions from the start, retention is easier as well. We encourage parents to bring their children for a complimentary evaluation once the permanent teeth begin to arrive around Age 7. Not everyone will need early intervention but for those who do, it can save the child from more complicated and sometimes invasive procedures down the road.
My practice has been in place now for over 40 years. I joined back in 2018 and am now sole owner of Smiles by Dr Craig Hadgis Orthodontist. As a local business and family, we feel it is our duty to give back to the communities we serve and do our best to support our patients and schools. We have given thousands of dollars in sponsorships and donations. We appreciate the community support we receive and enjoy seeing our patients and our schools thrive.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a University of Michigan graduate, I do enjoy watching college sports. Anne and I have three small children, two girls and our boy just arrived on April 18! Other than helping my patients improve their smiles, there is no place I would rather be right now than with Anne and our children helping them grow! With three we are officially outnumbered and there is always a hilarious, imaginative, or magical moment to enjoy.
YMCA Summer Camp Experience
Executive Director,
First Coast YMCA Camp Immokalee
It may sound strange, but when I was growing up, I was never a “camp” kid. It wasn’t until I was a freshman at Oklahoma State University when I was hired as a counselor at a sports camp near Houston that I attended my first camp. The first night of the first session, I was assigned to the youngest kids and shortly after we started, a little boy named Luke came up and reached for my hand. He had just been adopted from South America and had a pretty rough childhood, so he was understandably grasping for security. When I held his hand, that assured him he was safe. I didn’t have anything to give him except my hand and an assurance that things were going to be OK, but my nothing was his everything. From that point on, I saw camp in a different light. |
Ever since that summer, I’ve been involved in camp in some way and now, I’m fortunate to serve as the Executive Director for the First Coast YMCA’s Camp Immokalee in Keystone Heights. In truth, I see “Lukes” every day - kids come in with the stresses of school or family and when they realize they can truly be a kid out here, you see the weight lift off their shoulders. I’ve had countless parents come up to their kids after a week of camp and say, “Oh my gosh, you got so much taller!” And in a sense, they’re right. Those kids walk with a new confidence after spending a week out here, remembering what it’s like to disconnect from the world and have fun with their peers. We also host retreats and events throughout the year and recently, we were appreciative to host families for a weekend program where each family had at least one child with a specific medical need. They came in from all over the country and spent time learning how to take care of their kids, including how to cook in our dining hall and embracing the activities we provide. It’s incredibly powerful to meet other people who are going through the same challenges as you and to learn how to take maybe one more step outside your comfort zone than you thought you could. That can make all the difference and you can take that confidence back home to approach new challenges. The sense of community that makes Camp Immokalee special extends beyond just the campers. We’re blessed to have some of the most selfless and passionate people serving as counselors throughout the year. Some of them aren’t much older than our 14–15-year-old campers, and yet they’re pouring into them and helping them detox from the technology tedium that can be pervasive in today’s society. It may take a little while at first; some kids are hesitant to let their guard down. But inevitably, the kids’ “masks” start to fade – this persona they think they have to be - and they connect with counselors in a way they never would’ve thought of at the start of camp. For me, I had to leave my own “mask” at the gate last summer when, four days before the end of camp, I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. I shared my experience with everyone at camp at the time and when I was at my weakest, I had the strongest people around me. The vulnerability at camp allows us to connect with people and sure enough, when I shared my story, a little boy named Lucky came up to me and said, “My sister is really sick right now and I needed to hear that.” I am fortunate that the cancer is in remission, and I’m convinced it’s my ministry to serve at Camp Immokalee. I get to see one more day. I get to see one more Lucky, one more Luke, one more counselor who needs to get away from everyday life and embrace nature again. Maybe that one more will be your son or daughter, or even your whole family during our annual family camps. We’re open year-round so we can help as many people as possible discover a healthy life in body, mind, and spirit. Just remember when you get here to leave your mask at the gate. | "The sense of community that makes Camp Immokalee special extends beyond just the campers. We’re blessed to have some of the most selfless and passionate people serving as counselors throughout the year." |
FYZICAL
Therapy & Balance Centers
www.fyzical.com/northwest-st-augustine-fl
When your life is sidelined by an injury, dizziness, surgery, or a condition keeping you from doing what you love, we’re here to help you heal and feel your best. We take pride in our hands-on, personalized approach to patient care. Through innovative programs and dedicated commitment, we are here to assist you with your health and well-being.
FYZICAL NW St. Augustine
559 W. Twincourt Trail, Unit 610
St. Augustine, FL 32095
Caring Concepts
Health & Wellness
Her philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that all patients have what it takes to lead a high-quality life free of chronic illness. It is her desire to utilize a holistic approach to get to the root of illness and uncover underlying factors that are contributing to illness to foster optimal long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Brittain is a native of Philadelphia, PA and a board-certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing education and a doctorate of nursing practice. She moved to Florida in 2002 to attend Florida State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing.
After graduating Dr. Brittain went on to work in various specialties in cancer care including head and neck oncology, GYN oncology, and medical oncology. She had the honor of working in premier institutions such as University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Florida Hospital. In addition to serving the community, Dr. Brittain has spent over a decade training nurses and is currently an assistant professor of nursing at the University of North Florida.

For Susanne, there was a personal connection as well. Some of her fondest memories with her father were of their early morning bike rides. However, after he endured a horrific bike accident, as well as Susanne injuring her knee in a boot-camp style workout, she turned to cycling to increase her fitness level while not further damaging her joints. After attending her first CycleBar class, she realized how fun and effective an indoor cycling workout can be. “There is nothing more motivating than cycling to great music, an engaging instructor, and an energized crowd of all different types of people – I became hooked and got so much more out of my workout than what I could ever achieve on my indoor bike at home.”
The Rider Experience at CycleBar is both welcoming and empowering. Upon entering the lobby you are greeted by a Customer Experience Associate (CBX), who sets you up with everything you need for a great workout, including shoe rental and premium water to fill your water bottle. While waiting for the ride to start, you can connect with other members in our Community Room or explore our premium retail boutique with top brands like lululemon and Tavi.
When the ride gets ready to begin, our team assists riders to get properly set up on our patented Stages bikes. Then, it’s time to “Rock Your Ride!” Led by our highly skilled instructors, there are six different ride formats to choose from, offering variety in difficulty and style. Some formats, like Foundations and Connect, are for those getting started in indoor cycling or just want to focus on the ride itself. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Performance and Empower rides help take their performance and cardio endurance to a whole new level – great for athletes looking to complement other workouts they do. The Classic format is our standard ride, providing a balanced workout that appeals to all different types of riders.
During the workout, there is a body component that uses a weight bar (thus the name CycleBAR). Most rides limit the upper body component to one song yet our new Strength workout includes much more focus on the upper body. For information on the CycleBar experience, visit https://www.cyclebar.com/the-experience.
At its core CycleBar St. Johns’ differentiator is its focus on community and helping people achieve greater focus on their goals and priorities. “For example, we have a Purpose Wall where our members can share their priorities with one another, as well as helps them focus on the important things in their lives – it’s a reminder every time they enter the Community Room.
As a busy professional, single mom, and caregiver of her special needs sister, Susanne realizes how tough it is to fit priorities like fitness into your schedule. “For me, finding time for priorities like socializing and fitness has been difficult. At CycleBar St. Johns, our members can connect with so many different types of people and empower them to do more in less time – not to mention build their network to help them achieve their professional goals as well.”
Giving Back
CycleBar offers numerous value-added opportunities for personal and community growth with CycleGives Community Fundraising - rides where participants get a great workout, connect with others, and support their favorite nonprofits. Other special events help enrich the lives of its members, such as free morning stretches and yoga, and wellness-related information sessions and vendors.
Susanne says she chose to locate her business in St. Johns because of its potential and diverse community. “There are so many great, friendly people from all over the world here; it amazes me at the number of uplifting people here who seek to help others, add value to their community, and connect others to support their success.”
Two years from now Susanne envisions CycleBar St. Johns to be an even more robust community that provides even more value to its members. “We have over 200 members and are growing quickly. It’s inspiring to me to see how the word is spreading – the energy and power that our community provides will only get stronger as our membership grows.”
FAQ:
Little Preparation: CycleBar provides the shoes, a towel, and water – all you need to do is show up! Time Maximizer: In addition to a quality workout, you gain access to a great network, as well as some mindfulness time to focus on you and your health. An Awesome Environment and Superior Equipment: With patented Stages bikes, a superior sound system, and an energizing environment – you can feel your energy level rise even before you enter the cycling theater. Highly Skilled Instructors to Coach You: When working out solo, you’re lacking the feedback that helps you optimize your workout and prevent injury. Conversely, skilled cycling instructors motivate you to push past barriers and help correct improper techniques that may lead to pain or injury. Community Benefits that Go Both Ways: There’s nothing like bonding with those who have just endured the same 45-minute roller coaster with you. In the case of CycleBar, there will also be many after-class events to promote fun, learning, and community, as well as involvement with non-profit community causes through CycleGive events. |
It was clear from a young age McKinley was a fish. She took swim lessons at the YMCA when she was two years old and loved it. It’s so important to get your kids in the water early so they develop critical skills that’ll last a lifetime.
That was never more evident than the day she got stuck in a neighborhood pool. She was maneuvering her body to try and free herself, but she was trapped. There was no lifeguard on duty, so I jumped in and pulled my daughter out. She wasn’t breathing, so I administered CPR and was able to revive her before taking her to Baptist Medical Center, where Dr. Neeraj Neval, Neocritical Care ICU Medical Director took over.

About a month later, our neighbors asked us if we wanted to go the Williams Family YMCA to watch their kids take swim lessons. I immediately tensed up. I remember thinking the only way my daughter was going to be around a pool again was if we sold our house and bought one with a pool so we could constantly keep an eye on her. Reluctantly, I agreed to go with our neighbors and McKinley came too.
I’ll never forget that car ride. She initially stared quietly out the window but then spoke up.
“Do I have to get in the water?” she asked.
“No, of course not,” I replied.
A few minutes passed.
“If I just want to put my feet in, can I?” she said.
“Yes, if you want,” I answered.
We eventually got to the pool and after watching her friends go through their class, McKinley stood up and said, “I’m ready.”
When she jumped in, I immediately started crying and thanking God for seeing us through this.
My brave little girl, who I had to bring back to life just a month prior, fearlessly got back in the water and started swimming like nothing had happened.
"It’s so important to get your kids in the water
early so they develop critical skills that’ll last a lifetime."
Because we live in Florida, we’re almost always around water. Still, there are a surprising number of adults and children who don’t know how to swim. If that’s you or your child, please reach out to your local Y and sign up for lessons. If it’s important for your child to breathe, it should be just as important for them to learn how to swim. I know what it’s like to see my child not breathing, but because she and I both know how to swim, she’s alive today and enjoying the water, like every kid should.
"I am a Life Artist who coaches, constructs, and coordinates, the colors of our lives to produce a vision and view that reflects the internal hue. As a result I produce the coordinated effect upon the white canvas to overcome the ultimate fear, the fear of the unknown called, "The Art of Transformation", which consistently and confidently connects us to the "Continuum" of life."
New heart device helps the smallest patients.
Born 17 weeks premature on March 29, 2022, Jaden Stewart has spent the first five months of his life in neonatal intensive care. Thanks to a tiny new technology and procedure recently introduced at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jaden is home with his family.
Soon after birth, Jaden, who weighed less than two pounds, was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, a potentially life-threatening opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart.
“The lungs tend to be fairly fragile in premature babies and that extra blood flow that goes into the lungs through that PDA can cause a lot of issues,” said Robert English, MD, a pediatric interventional cardiologist who practices at the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “They require support to be able to ventilate and oxygenate and that extra blood flow may cause prolongation of the need for support. That support can be damaging to the lungs over time.”
While required in fetal life, the vessel opening typically closes on its own within a few days after birth, but that’s not always the case, especially in premature babies.
“The opening was always of moderate size but it never got any smaller,” said Jaden’s mom, Tiffany Stewart.
In mid-June, Jaden was transferred to the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Center from another area hospital. Two weeks later, he underwent a non-surgical procedure to close the PDA using the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder, which is so small it fits on the face of a dime. Wolfson Children’s is the only hospital in Northeast Florida to offer this procedure.
Dr. English is specially trained to implant this technology in babies weighing as little as two pounds through a cardiac catheterization procedure in which the wire mesh device is guided through the vessels to close the opening.
A non-surgical option for premature infants
Previously, the only other option to close a PDA in infants was surgery.
"Heart surgery is more invasive and involves an incision between the ribs," said Dr. English. "The children usually recover well following the surgical procedure, but there are some risks associated so we prefer a non-surgical procedure to close the PDA when possible."
The smallest child to date to have a PDA closed at Wolfson Children's, Jaden was less than five pounds at the time of the procedure. Stewart said she noticed a positive change in Jaden just hours after the procedure was completed.
"Almost immediately, you could see a difference just with his oxygen support levels," she said.
Within a couple of days, Jaden was taken off the ventilator and put on low-flow oxygen support.
In late August, Jaden was removed from all oxygen support, breathing on his own and ready to join his dad Justin and sisters, Jordan, 12, and Riley, 10, at home.
"He's doing a lot better with his breathing and he's even starting to bottle feed now," Stewart said. "He is definitely pacing himself as far as being able to breathe and swallow at the same time, but the procedure turned things around."
Stewart said Jaden is growing stronger each day and hitting milestones a lot quicker than before.
"He's on his way to being healthy and being able to really function without as much support as he needed before," she said.
The pediatric cardiology, imaging, cardiac intensive care, cardiac anesthesiology and heart surgery teams with Wolfson Children's C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute treat a full range of pediatric cardiac conditions, from defects present at birth to heart rhythm disorders. To learn more, call 904.202.8550 or visit wolfsonchildrens.com/heart
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St. Johns Magazine
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