Professional Services

Living Your Legacy Now

Jesse Hardy Guides Leaders to Live With Purpose and Principle Article by Jesse Hardy | Photography by Stacy Berg There’s a moment in every life when the question comes knocking: “What’s it all for?” For Jesse Hardy, that moment didn’t come on a battlefield or in a boardroom, but somewhere in between. After 30 years of leading people, he realized success wasn’t about climbing ladders or collecting titles. It was about alignment: living each day with purpose, principles, and peace. “I spent...

Local Services

Kindness Unleashed

A Veterinarian’s Compassion Transforms Pets and Families Article and Photography by Isabella Aldrete Veterinarian Kate Oliver, D.V.M., is the steady, beating heart of Oliver Animal Hospital and the most dedicated individual I have seen in her field of work. When she moved to my Dripping Springs neighborhood, my family had recently adopted two ridiculously wrinkly vizsla puppies named Dotty and Sandy.  Dotty and Sandy were perfectly adorable and the perfect pair of opposites. While Dotty is...

Beauty

Seeing Clearly

How Lara Dudek, M.D. and Heart of Texas Eye Care are Transforming Community Vision Article by Micah Wiener | Photography by Isabella Aldrete In a world overloaded with information, it’s no surprise that myths about eye health spread quickly. Yet for Lara Dudek, M.D., board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Heart of Texas Eye Care, these misunderstandings sometimes keep people from getting the care they need. “There are lots of myths about eyecare,” says Dudek. “People create a lot of...

Wellness

Raise Them Up

Helping Parents Make Thoughtful Choices in an Overwhelming World Article by Christy Jensen, M.D. | Photography by Claire Mulkey There is no shortage of influencers and other professionals telling parents how to raise their children today. The noise can sometimes be overwhelming—whole foods, eating clean, baby-led weaning, vaccinating (or not), raw or pasteurized milk, screen time, social media rules, home schooling vs. public schooling, gentle parenting … we’ve heard it all.  As a...

Life + Culture

Growing Emotional Wellness

How Better Together Foundation Equips Kids with Tools That Strengthen Well-Being and Shape a More Peaceful World Article by Taylor Harper, Psy.D. | Photography by Captured by Cierra When we imagine a peaceful world—one without violence, bullying, and division—we must begin by looking at the hearts of our children. Emotional wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a global need. Resilient children become compassionate adults. Connected families build stronger communities. And communities rooted in...

Fitness

Rise to the Challenge

F3 Combines Fitness, Faith, and Fellowship to Build Men who Lead With Strength and Heart Article by Stephanie Parker | Photography by Alexandra Davis Before the sun rises in the Hill Country, a special group of men gathers for a workout. This workout is anything but typical. You won’t see fancy equipment or membership cards but something more powerful: a group helping men become better leaders in the community. This is F3 Dripping Springs, part of a national movement built on three...

Food + Beverage

Go2Bites for the Win

Tired of Unhealthy Options, Dripping Springs Mom Creates Clean, Convenient Snacks You Can Trust Article by Kaci Baez  | Photography by Summer Miles Dripping Springs resident Basimma Hammonds is dedicated to helping others heal through gut-friendly snacks. “I want to be a trustworthy source of healthy foods,” she explains.  A physical therapist by trade and mom to two boys, Hammonds started creating healthy energy bites in her kitchen in 2017.   She took her vision to the next level in 2020...

Life + Culture

Pushing the Limits

Finding Strength, Discipline, and Confidence at Extreme Military Challenge Article by Micah Wiener | Photography by Summer Miles Most high schoolers spend their summers catching up on sleep, hanging out with friends, or squeezing in a family vacation. Dripping Springs student Liam Sudderth chose something dramatically different: a program designed to break down limits, test resilience, and demand absolute commitment. This summer, Sudderth completed Extreme Military Challenge (XMC), a...

Health + Wellness

The Tooth Matters

The Link Between Dental Health and Whole-Body Wellness Article by Alicia Casarez-Quintana, D.D.S., M.S. and Gianna Casarez-Quintana, D.D.S. | Photography by Isabella Aldrete For years, many people have thought that dental health and overall health were separate entities. However, research now shows that what happens in your mouth can affect your whole body. One clear example is gum disease, linked to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly...

Education

The Future of Healthcare

DSHS Health Science Students Gain Hands-On Skills and Certifications for Careers in Healthcare and Wellness Article by Julia Fishback | Photography by Summer Miles At Dripping Springs High School, a dedicated team of health science teachers is guiding its students toward becoming the next generation of healthcare leaders and professionals. The DSHS Health Science program was established more than a decade ago as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department. Over time, it has...