Meet the contributors!
We believe local experiences are important. With that in mind, we’ve partnered with local contributors for their perspectives on a variety of healthy living topics. Here are the writers who helped make this issue possible.
Dr. Hojat Askari
Founder & Medical Director, Thumb Butte Medical Center
Dr. Hojat Askari, or “Dr. A,” is founder and medical director of Thumb Butte Medical Center at 3124 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, with over 20 medical professionals specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, allergy treatment, and foot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Katie Borchert
Naturopath, LAc
Dr. Katie Borchert uses natural medicine to increase vitality, youthfulness and Qi flow through naturopathic methods. She trained at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois, and is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Prescott and Prescott Valley.
Carmen Catterfield
MA, Honeybee Healing & Counseling Services
Carmen Cartterfield moved to Prescott after receiving her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Boston. She’s worked as a group and individual therapist with adolescents and adults and is now in private practice at Honeybee Healing & Counseling Services.
Cathy Clements
NASM, CNC, CPT, FNS, WFS
Cathy Clements is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. She has experienced challenges in her fitness and nutrition and is helping women over 40 regain their youthful energy. She will meet you where you are on your journey.
Lori Durr
Owner, Sundara Sanctuary
Lori Durr is the owner of Sundara Sanctuary Wellness Spa & Boutique. She’s spent 25 years focusing on wellness and is a Certified Healing Arts Practitioner, LMT, Licensed Aesthetician, Certified Colon Hydrotherapist and is working on getting board certification in nutrition.
Brad Hayman
DPM, Complete Foot & Ankle Care
Dr. Brad Hayman has been a podiatrist for over 40 years. After having a successful practice in Sun City, he moved to Prescott in 2006. He’s board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and in wound care.
Carl Johns
LMT, Director, Asis Massage Education
Carl Johns has been a massage therapist and educator for 25 years. He practices and teaches many Eastern and Western bodywork styles and has specialized throughout his career in working with people with disabilities and complex health conditions.
Ken Lain
Owner, Watters Garden Center
Ken Lain, known as “The Mountain Gardener,” writes weekly columns that are featured nationally. His podcast and YouTube channel by the same name have millions of downloads. During the week he can be found at Watters Garden Center in Prescott.
John Murphy
Chair, Prescott Commission on Well-Being
John Murphy is chairman of the Prescott Commission on Well-Being and founder of the Make 100 Healthy Foundation, whose mission is to reduce diabetes and obesity though nutrition and gardening education. He’s a proud husband, father and real estate agent.
Dr. Cindy Rollins
PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Cindy Rollins is a child psychologist and enjoys promoting mental health and emotional wellness. She has a passion for helping others and has held numerous volunteer roles. She lives in Chino Valley with her husband, son, dog, cats, chickens and ducks.
Jarek Slagowski
Owner & Head Coach, Grind Boxing Gym
Coach Jarek Slagowski was born and raised in Poland. He is a certified USA BOXING, INC coach and has been the coach of the Polish Kickboxing National Team. He’s now owner and head coach of Grind Boxing Gym in Prescott.
Blayne Soriano
Level 2 Crossfit Coach and Crossfit Kids Coach
Coach Blayne Soriano is a Level 2 Crossfit Coach and Crossfit Kids Coach at Redtail Crossfit. She does one-on-one training and helps her clients with meal prep using her PN-L1 nutrition certification. She carries other certifications including Olympic lifting. Photo: Kai York
Armando Varela
Clinical Director of Optima Medical, AG ACNP-BC FNP-BC ENP-C
Armando Varela is board certified in acute care, family, and emergency medicine with 18 years of experience. He completed his graduate education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville with a focus in emergency and trauma management.
Loree Walden
Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society
Loree is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and moved to Prescott in 2010. Her background spans a variety of careers, including 20 years of tax preparation, eight years of radio traffic and her current position as marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society, where she is able to do what she loves by helping animals through advocating for them to help them find their furever homes!
Dr. Karissa Walton
Founder & Medical Director, The Mobile Health Doc
Dr. Karissa Walton is a licensed naturopathic medical doctor (NMD) who specializes in treating chronic pain and neurological conditions. She is passionate about teaching her patients how to optimize their health and performance so they can live the life they love.
Bailey Zygutis
Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, Vitruvian Fitness
Bailey Zygutis is a nutritionist and personal trainer with Vitruvian Fitness. With a passion for holistic health, she works with individuals in person and online to create customized programs that teach them to more fully enjoy the benefits of good health.