Expand Magazine - Volume 6 Issue 1

Formerly Siouxland Magazine 

Emily 

Vollmar 

Rooted in 

Excellence 

Energy Found 

in 

Winter 

Tax PrepP 

Checklist 

Healthy 

Recipes 

in a 

Mean Girls 

Barbie World 

talking points guide for the movies 

Volume 6, Issue 1 

Finding Grace 

in the Darkness

Offers Leadership & 

Communication Trainings. 

Scan QR Code to 

Learn More. 

Next Session of the 

16 Laws of Communication 

will begin 

Mid-March. 

Stacie Anderson 

712-540-5721 

connect@empowering-conversations.com 

www.siouxlandmagazine.com 

Register Today to Reserve 

Your Spot.

Expand /4 

We are here to live a BIG life. To explore our inner and outer 

world, moving us towards the leading edge to discover what we 

are capable of that can be of contribution. To create a life designed 

with intention and executed with passion. 

This publication aspires to be a source of inspiration. We are 

committed to connecting you with community experts and 

information to help you live your best life. It is our intention to 

encourage balance in your life, reminding you to prioritize your 

health and wellness while pursuing your dreams. We wish for you 

to be healthy, strong and radiant. We wish for you to find meaning 

in your work and be of service to those around you. 

In these pages, you’ll find advice and resources, but you will also 

find community and love. It is our desire to be by your side on your 

journey, providing articles, video content, podcasts, trainings, and 

live events. We are here for your expansion. 

This is your life. 

For those who want more… 

To be more, do more and give more.

Expand / 5 

Editors 

NOte 

Expand has been circulating throughout our community for decades. With each owner, it has had a slightly different focus, and with 

every passing year, it continues to evolve. When I purchased the magazine over five years ago, my intention was to start meaningful 

community conversations. 

In striving to reach people where they are, we went beyond the print magazine to include a digital version. Then, we added blogs, 

video content, a podcast, and even live events. 

Through it all, it has been the people who have made it significant. Each and every person who has contributed with their column 

or who shared their story in an interview has made this publication a place of connection and community. 

It is my desire to expand this business to so much more. I have a profound sense of urgency to help people see their value and know 

their worth. I want to support their efforts to expand their gifts and contributions. After nearly a decade since becoming a certified 

John Maxwell leader, I will finally be folding in leadership and communication training into what we offer. 

In a moment of clarity and inspiration, I made the decision to rebrand the magazine. After all, it is much more than just a magazine. 

This business is an extension of my purpose and a vehicle to reach the community through many platforms. It is a way for me to 

encourage and empower you. 

I’m excited to introduce 

. For those who want more – To be more, do more, and give more. 

My life is fueled by my being – who I am at my core – and my being is what fuels my doing – how I contribute to this magnificent 

world. 

It is my intention for this to be a place that fuels your growth and expansion so that you can live out the fullest expression of yourself. 

Stacie 

Stacie Anderson 

Owner of Empowering Conversations LLC & Expand 

Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach 

Passionate about Leadership & Communication 

Expand is owned and published by Empowering Conversations, LLC. All materials contained in this magazine (including text, content, and photographs) 

are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any 

way without the prior written consent of Empowering Conversations, LLC or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not 

alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of this content.

e more 

ON THE COVER: Photo Credit Ann Marie Photography. 

Table of Contents 

8-9 Ask the Therapist 

10-11 Health is a Journey – Building a Cold + Flu First Aid Kit 

12-13 Embracing Winter – Nurturing your Intentions with Yoga 

14-15 Dare 2B Great – 2 Cultivate - 2 Encourage. A Positive Approach 2 Childhood Obesity 

16-17 Living Lumin – Place in the Circle 

18-21 Emily Vollmar 

do more 

24-25 Small Business Spotlight – hotworx 

26-27 IWCI’s Business Feature – Thrive Wellness Center 

29 SBDC – Taking Care of Business – The Future Of Small Businesses In Sioux City: A Glimpse Into 

Launch Week 

30 Leadership Siouxland – How Can I Make A Positive Difference On As Many People As Possible? 

31 Experience Downtown – It’s a time for new beginnings in Downtown Sioux City! 

33 Council Connection – Perspectives and Respect 

36-37 Social Media – 864 Hours 

give more 

41 Inclusive Peek – Esha Gardoud 

42-43 Nonprofit Spotlight – Girls Inc. 

44-45 Ann Rehan Goebel Foundation Inaugural Winter Gala 

47 Hot Air with Tony Michaels 

C O N T A C T U S 

S E R V I C E S 

P h o n e : 

712.499.0850 

W E B S I T E 

WWW.EQUILIBREMASSAGE.COM 

A d d r e s s : 

4242 GORDON DRIVE 

SIOUX CITY, IOWA 

MASSAGE 

ÉQUILIBRE SIGNATURE MASSAGE 

CUPPING THERAPY 

PRE-NATAL 

POST-OP LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE 

CLASSIC AND ELITE COUPLES 

MED SPA 

IV THERAPY 

MEDICAL WEIGHTLOSS 

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY 

RED LIGHT THERAPY 

ESTHETICS 

ÉQUILIBRE FACIAL 

CHEMICAL PEEL 

MICRODERMABRASION 

MICROBLADING 

LASH LIFT 

BODY SCULPTING 

WAXIN G 

ÉQUILIBRE 

MASSAGE & MED SPA 

A w a k e n | A l l e v i a t e | A l i g n

EXPAND | BE MORE / 7 

be 

mo re 

Who are you becoming? 

Being more is simply growing beyond who you were yesterday. 

No perfection. Just progress. 

It’s about living life to its fullest and learning from every moment 

so that we show up healthier, stronger, and more radiant. 

Our writers want to support you on your journey of self-reflection 

and discovery of your fullest potential. 

Be more.

EXPAND | BE MORE /8 

ask the 

Therapist 

By Jackie Paulson 

Dear Reader, 

Welcome to the New Year! A new year offers us all 

an opportunity to explore what is working, what 

is not, and how we want to be intentional moving 

forward. It gives us a moment to start again, start 

fresh. I love these moments where we get to reimagine 

aspects of our lives. And it doesn’t always 

feel “good.” With a rebirth, there is always a 

death. Some way of how we were going about 

a relationship, a job, a way of being that we are 

saying goodbye to. If it wasn’t working for us, it’s 

funny to think that we would actually have a hard 

time giving it up. But our past selves, including old 

behaviors, old relationships, and old stories were 

once the new ones that we built our lives upon. 

More on that in a moment. 

So I want to speak to the intention that I would like 

to pursue in this article for 2024. Time and attention 

are valuable resources these days. And the fact that 

you are taking some of your own resourcefulness 

to read this article right now is deeply appreciated. 

Being a therapist and writing on such important 

topics as our mental health, relationships, and 

spiritual wellness, is no small thing. I humbly write 

each word and expression with care. And then when 

Stacie asked me if I would write again, I realized 

that I hadn’t even ever really introduced myself since 

starting to write for the magazine several years ago. I’d 

like to offer you a little more context as to who I am 

and where my ideas, beliefs, and what I write inside of 

this article in response to your questions come from. 

So here is a, still brief, but further introduction. 

My name is Jaclyn Paulson (maiden name Rathje). 

Although except for my deceased sister and two 

clients, people call me Jackie. I was born and raised 

in a town of 700 people in southwest Minnesota. I 

went to college initially to study communications but 

quickly changed my major to counseling after reading 

my mother’s social work books (she was attending 

college in her 50s). I lived in St. Paul for a few years 

working until my mother died of cancer when I was 23. 

My oldest sister died exactly one month later in an ATV 

accident. Because of their deaths, I moved back to my 

hometown to be closer to my dad until I moved to Sioux 

Falls and attended graduate school for Counseling. My 

father died shortly after when I was 27, also of cancer. 

I have lived in Sioux City with my husband for the past 

ten years. He is on the Fire Department and we have 

two children, Maggie (5) and Gus (4). I share these brief 

but impacting stories because they have shaped how I 

live and serve.

I believe part of my mission is to support myself 

and others in the art of living a fulfilled life, one 

of depth and cherishing each moment - not by 

always being grateful, but by always being open 

to feeling what is there to be felt and holding 

others to do the same. Facing death has opened 

up realms of truth and sincerity within me and also 

allowed me to access some of the deepest fears 

and sorrow that one could face, and I feel almost 

fearless in holding space for the depth of others. It 

is why I ruthlessly share and express myself, create 

as much as possible, and say YES when I can; 

including to yoga teacher training in 2012, opening 

a yoga studio in Sioux City in 2016, continuing my 

training and expansion of my work by traveling and 

studying with many teachers and continue to offer 

in-depth individual and group offerings that allows 

people and women especially to harness the power 

of their heart and that feeling all of our feelings is not 

insane, but really what it means to truly being ALIVE. 

Most of all, the losses of my family (as well as my seven 

astrological placements in Sagittarius :) ) shapes my 

WHY in all the work I do, including how I share with all 

of you in this article; which is: 


YOU ARE NOT A PROBLEM TO BE FIXED. 

YOU ARE A LIFE WORTH LIVING! 

When you ask a question and read a response in this article, know 

this truth above is a very real belief inside of me that informs how 

I respond and what modalities I work from. Practicing compassion, 

curiosity and an invitation for all to be welcome are essential themes 

that I live and work from. And so I return to the first paragraph of this 

article, which is about grieving the past as a part of opening to the 

future. There is a poem I would like to share with you below called “I 

Have Been a Thousand Different Women” by Emory Hall. I will let her 

artistry and your own curiosity speak to the rest. 

It’s an honor to write for you all again in 2024. Please do not hesitate 

to send me your questions in the next year. It is a pleasure to be here, 

in service to our Siouxland community. 

“ 

” 

With love, Jackie 

Send Your 

It’s an honor to write for you all again in 2024. 

Please do not hesitate to send me your questions 

in the next year. It is a pleasure to be here, in 

service to our Siouxland community. 

Questions 

JACKIE PAULSON | LEAD INSTRUCTOR | E-RYT 500, LMHC 

make peace 

with all the women 

you once were. 

lay flowers 

at their feet. 

offer them incense 

and honey 

and forgiveness. 

listen. 

bless them 

and let them be. 

for they are the bones 

of the temple 

you sit in now. 

for they are the rivers 

of wisdom 

leading you toward 

the sea. 

// i have been a thousand 

different women 

You can submit your question for “Ask the Therapist” by visiting jaclynpaulson@gmail.com and 

sending your question through the contact page. Please put “Ask the Therapist” in the subject line. 

Jackie Paulson teaches yoga, is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa, and yoga teacher in Sioux City. She holds a deeply held intention in her work: 

to empower somatic awareness that increases the connection and sacred wisdom within individuals and communities. Jackie facilitates in-depth yoga trainings, 

experiential process groups, individual + couples therapy, and energywork. The inspiration that fuels her teaching includes philosophy, myth, depth psychology, and 

subtle body practices. A lifelong student of the practice, Jackie completed her 300hr Yoga Teacher October 2017 and continues her education of Tantra and Somatic 

therapy with teachers from around the world. Jackie’s Contact info: 712-490-7705 or jaclynpaulson@gmail.com


Building A 

Cold 

+ Flu 

First Aid Kit 

By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler 

I 

t all starts with the dreaded scratchy throat. 

You know the signs… and soon you are in 

bed with a bowl of chicken noodle soup and 

a box of tissues. We are in the thick of cold and 

flu season. Our systems are run down from being 

cooped up inside and we are all a bit sick of winter. Why 

does winter make such a prime time for cold and flu 

season? Are you prepared for the next wave to hit your 

household? Let’s explore these thoughts as I share with 

you my Go-To supplies in my Cold + Flu First Aid Kit. 

When it comes to any type of illness, catching it soon 

and recognizing it is key. 

If you can first recognize that you are run down, and then 

provide adequate rest and support for your body, you 

are well on your way to recovery. Unfortunately, what 

happens too often is we either recognize we are ill and 

do not provide the support and rest our body needs, or 

we recognize it too late. 

Creating a robust and vital force through the winter 

time will assist in a faster recovery; as well as prevention 

from illness. Here are some daily preventative practices. 

Adding just one of these practices into your daily life 

you can experience an increased sense of health, spirit, 

and wellness. 

List of Vitalist Practices 

Breathing: 

Practice deep breathing exercises for 3-5 

minutes. 1-3 times daily. 

Stretching: 

Go through a series of stretching; in the 

morning, after coming home from your day, 

and before bed. 

Positive Affirmation: 

Select a positive affirmation that works well 

with your goals. Repeat it in your mind, out 

loud, or both. 

Select 1-2 different affirmations and repeat 

them at different times throughout the day. 

Water: 

Drink 12-16 oz first thing in the morning. 

Run a cool watered shower for yourself for 

30-50 seconds.

Unfortunately, even with consistent vitalist practices, 

we all get sick. So why is it that we are more prone to 

getting sick in the winter? First, we are indoors; we 

are more likely to transmit viruses and bacteria while 

inside, in closed areas. Viruses can spread more easily 

in extremely dry conditions, which is typical of our 

winter conditions. 

Example Blend: 

1 Part Sinus Congestion Herb 

1 Part Dry Cough Herb 

1 Part Immune Support Herb 

May look like this: 

1 T. Chamomile 

1 T. Mullein 

1 T. Elder Berry 

Use 1T., per 8oz. water 

Steep 10-15 Mins. 


Physically, our immune systems are weaker; we 

have not been eating as many fresh foods and our 

Vitamin D stores are now gone (if we are not receiving 

it nutritionally or through supplementation). In 

the winter, the sun’s latitude does not allow us to 

produce vitamin D, even if we spend time outside. 

Because Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is 

typically stored in our body for 2-3 months. In the 

midwest we stop receiving Vitamin D from the sun in 

October; which means by the end of December our 

stores are depleted. Why is this important? Vitamin 

D is one of the building blocks for supporting our 

musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, and digestive 

systems. Vitamin D supplementation is a tool in my 

toolbox for supporting not only my immunity through 

the winter but also my mental health. 

When it comes to colds and influenza, one of the most 

beneficial approaches for your body is allowing it to 

heal through rest. How do you identify you are in need 

of more than rest? Let’s go through some symptoms 

and pair them with some of the herbs I keep in my 

Cold + Flu First Aid Kit. 

Sinus Congestion: 

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) 

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) 

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) 

Mild Fever: 

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) 

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 

Dry Cough: 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) 

Wet Cough: 

Elecampane (Inula helenium) 

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 

Immune Support: 

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea) 

Elder Berry (Sambucus nigra) 

Now that you know the herbs to have on hand, how do 

you use them? Let’s create a few example formulas, 

starting with a blend for someone with a weakened 

immune system, sinus congestion, and a dry cough. 

Generally speaking, most medicine blends are steeped 

for 10-20 minutes. If your tea blend has more roots or 

denser materials, allow for a longer steeping time. 

Let’s try another! 

Let’s create a blend for someone dealing with a wet 

cough, a mild fever, and a lowered immune system. 

Example Blend: 

1 Part Wet Cough Herbs 

1 Part Mild Fever Herbs 

1 Part Immune Support Herbs 

May look like this: 

1 C. Elecampane 

1 C. Lemon Balm 

1 C. Echinacea 

Use 1T., per 8oz. water 

Steep 15-20 Mins. 

Before utilizing any herb, please do your own personal 

research to make sure this plant will work well with your 

body. It may be natural, but it is also a very potent herbal 

medicine. Safety is always number one and many herbs 

interact with specific pharmaceuticals and diseases. 

When in doubt, reach out to your local herbalist. 

This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure 

and has not been approved by the FDA. 

By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler, Owner, MEGAN & CO. Herbal 

Apothecary + Teahouse 

Her goal is to spread herbal knowledge to rural America in a safe, 

constructive, and accessible manner. 

www.meganandco.com 

Trained at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism 

Certified Clinical Herbalist 

Certified Clinical Nutritionist 

Certified Flower Essence Practitioner 

Resources: 

1.Wolkoff P, Azuma K, Carrer P. Health, work performance, and risk of infection 

in office-like environments: The role of indoor temperature, air humidity, and 

ventilation. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2021 Apr;233:113709. doi: 10.1016/j. 

ijheh.2021.113709. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 33601136. 

2.Sizar O, Khare S, Goyal A, Givler A. Vitamin D Deficiency. 2023 Jul 17. In: 

StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 

PMID: 30335299 

3. Chevallie, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Pub., New York, c2000. 

4. Skenderi, Gazmend. Herbal Bade Mecum. Herbacy Press. Rutherford, NJ, c2003. 

5. Tierra , Michael. Planetary Herbology. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI. c2018


Embracing 

Winter: 

Nurturing 

Your 

Intentions 

With 

Yoga 

By Erin Kuehl 

s we enter the new year, our hearts are filled with determination to pursue our goals and new 

intentions. This spark of motivation can make us feel invincible, ready to take on the world! However, 

we tend to falter after a few weeks of intense productivity. Winter offers the opportunity to turn our 

energy inward to cultivate stillness to enhance, clarify, and grow the potency of our intentions. 

AAllowing Yourself Grace in the Darkness 

The winter season is a time of dormancy and introspection. 

The natural world rests and rejuvenates beneath the snow. 

As we rest and rejuvenate we nurture our intentions and 

goals. It’s crucial to allow ourselves the grace to be in the 

darkness of growth and change. 

Rather than forcing rapid external changes, consider 

beginning with small, daily intentions that gently motivate 

you toward your goals. Think of these intentions as seeds 

that you plant in the fertile ground of your consciousness. 

The more you nurture yourself, the stronger your intentions 

and motivation grow, sending out shoots that will branch 

out and manifest toward your goals and desires in a good 

way. 

One powerful way to align with the energy of winter and 

nurture your intentions is through a Yin yoga practice. Yin 

poses offer us a path to mindful self-compassion through 

stillness and breath awareness as a way to move stagnancy 

out of our bodies and minds. 

Yin poses are passive and yielding. As you move through 

the poses allow yourself to find enough support to relax 

muscular tension through deep and slow breaths.

Yin Yoga for Winter 

Begin with five minutes of slow, mindful breathing, either seated or lying down. Focus your attention on breath, 

taking slow, deep breaths while noticing the abdomen rise and fall. Inhale to the count of four, hold for two and 

exhale to the count of six. This mindful breathing exercise helps quiet your mind and facilitate relaxation. 


Supported Child’s Pose: Kneel 

down, sit back on heels, and 

drape your body over the 

support. Extend arms forward 

or alongside the bolster and 

rest forehead down. Relax 

into the pose and stay for 3-5 

minutes, allowing your spine 

to decompress and your 

mind to calm. 

Supported Wide-Legged Forward Fold: 

Seated forming a V shape with the legs. 

Place a cushion or folded blanket in front 

of you, parallel to your legs. Fold the 

hips and lower torso onto the support, 

supporting the head/neck as needed. 

Soften all muscles with every exhale for 

3-5 minutes, feeling an opening in your 

inner thighs and lower back. 

Sphinx Pose: Lie on your belly, head resting on your hands. Lift chest up 

while keeping forearms on the ground. Relax your lower back, and soften 

your shoulders. The further 

the forearms are away from 

the body, the less intense 

the pose. Eyes closed, take 

slow, deep breaths, and tune 

into sensations in the spine 

and chest. Hold 5 minutes. 

Counter with cat/cow or 

child’s pose. 

Butterfly Pose: Seated, bring 

the soles of feet together, 

knees fall toward the floor. 

Drape body forward over 

support. Take slow, deep 

breaths. Stay in this pose for 

3-5 minutes, allowing your 

hips to open and your mind 

to settle. 

Gentle Reclined Twist: Lie on your back, hug 

your knees to your chest, open your arms, 

and allow your legs to fall to the side. Close 

your eyes, breathe deeply, and soften into 

the twist, relaxing your shoulders and 

lower back. Hold for 3-5 minutes, and 

feel a gentle stretch along your spine and 

lower back. Repeat on the opposite side. 

Savasana: Final resting pose. Lie on 

your back with options for support 

under the torso and/or find support 

under the knees. Option to lay flat on 

back as well. Allow complete surrender 

to come over the body for 10 minutes. 

The journey toward your goals is reminiscent of the changing seasons. We journey through the birth of spring, the action 

of summer, the reflection of autumn, and the darkness of winter. Embrace the stillness of winter to expand the roots of your 

intentions and allow yourself the grace to grow in your own time. Nourish the seeds planted deep in the soil of your soul. 

“Our expert instructors guide students through various yoga styles, 

meditation, and wellness practices, providing the tools to tap into 

their inner wisdom and find balance in their lives. Whether you’re 

looking for a challenging physical practice or a peaceful escape 

from the demands of daily life, Evolve has something to offer. Join 

us in our journey of self-discovery and evolution. 

Erin Kuehl 

hello@evolvesiouxcity.com 

712-898-4286 

Since 2012, Erin has been the driving force behind 

Evolve Yoga and Wellness Center, a holistic healing 

hub in the heart of Historic 4th Street that integrates 

Yoga and mindfulness into transformative classes 

designed to nurture physical, mental, emotional, 

and spiritual well-being.

eXPAND | BE MORE /14 

Dare 2BGreat 

By Cody 

Rininger 

2 Cultivate - 2 Encourage. 

A Positive Approach 2 Childhood Obesity 

Starting off 2024 with a topic near and dear 

to my heart. Childhood obesity. Throughout 

my school years, I was overweight. Because 

of this, I was ridiculed and beaten down 

emotionally, mentally, and physically. If you cannot 

relate, I will simply tell you it leaves scars. But, under 

the scars, I was able to find more in life. I went into 

education to teach kids healthy decision-making skills 

that would protect them. As a trainer, 2B Imperium’s 

whole purpose is to help anyone and everyone to 

realize what they are capable of deep down. This starts 

with my primary role as a father. I want to educate and 

support my children towards a life of fitness and overall 

health. It’s not enough for us to just stop the bullying. 

We have to make a conscious decision to stop the 

reason behind it. 

As a parent, you care about your child’s health. 

Given the public health focus on childhood obesity, 

it would be hard not to be concerned if your child is 

overweight. The question many parents in this position 

are grappling with is “Should I say something to my 

child about the weight — or not?” 

We hear a lot about the potential health dangers of 

obesity, particularly in children. It’s well known that 

higher body weight among youth has been on the rise. 

But what’s been less prevalent in the messaging about 

weight is that, in the past two decades, hospitalizations 

for eating disorders increased more than 100 percent for 

children younger than 12. 

We as adults are role models and the most critical influence 

in children’s lives. We need to set a good example for 

our kids. Some of these children are sad and depressed, 

pretending to be someone they are not to keep from being 

teased and ridiculed. They may have the desire to change 

but are not sure how to begin. We can assist them with this 

by helping them OVERCOME. We must build character 

and confidence! We can 

do this by demonstrating 

healthy behaviors so 

children have healthy 

attitudes about eating, 

being physically active, 

and developing lifelong 

healthy habits. It’s never 

too early or too late to be 

concerned about creating 

a healthy, nutritional, and 

active environment for 

children. That’s where 2B 

Imperium can help. I can 

provide you with tips on 

how to help manage your 

and your child’s nutrition, Post stage celebration.

can find. Again, prep beforehand so the kids can grab a healthy option. 

This can be as easy as orange slices, low-fat cheese sticks, hardboiled 

eggs, apples with natural peanut butter, almonds, or beef jerky. 

Daily physical activity is a must. There are so many activities that the kids 

can do, both indoors and outdoors. Less screen time and increased 

physical activity. There are plenty of activities that can be done indoors or 

outdoors depending on the weather. An idea would be to have two jars, 

indoor activities and outdoor activities. Make a list of different activities 

for each, cut those activities up, and place them in the jars. Have the 

kids pull an activity out and take action. I incorporate a “Daily Fitness 

Challenge” into their routine which helps them become physically fit. 

This includes push-ups, sit-ups, squats, up-downs, and wheel barrel 

races. Include the kids in this process. Their input gives them ownership. 

They watch you, whether you like it or not. Lead by example. 


In summary, dieting is hard but lead by example. My kids need to be 

kids, but they can still learn good habits and enjoy life. For me, well, 

sometimes I just need some cookies... 

Giant Protein Cookies 

Cody’s Daughters Doing Tricep Dips. 

physical activity, and overall well-being. 

Healthful eating and physical activity 

needs to be a family activity that you, 

the parent model, so let us take a look at 

what things we can do to help kids live a 

healthy and active lifestyle. 

Healthy meals and snacks, daily physical 

activity, and adequate sleep are primary. 

To satisfy each of these categories, you 

may find weekly planning to be beneficial. 

Plan and prepare your meals ahead of 

time. Shopping the perimeter of the 

grocery store will provide opportunities 

to choose from fresh fruits, meats, and 

vegetables. You can use those items 

to prepare snacks and place them in 

containers for later. When the kids get 

home from school, they will be hungry and 

ready to grab ahold of the first thing they 

Makes 8 giant cookies. 

Ingredients: 

2 Scoops Redcon1 Iso 

PB Protein Powder 

6 tbsp Whole Wheat Flour 

2 tbsp Truvia Brown Sugar 

1/4 Cup Truvia Baking Blend 

1/2 tsp Baking Soda 

1/8 tsp Salt 

1/4 cup Light/Unsalted Butter 

1 Whole Egg 

1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract 

1 oz Natural Cocoa Dusted Almonds 

Mix in a bowl with softened butter. Preheat to 350. 

Cook 12-15 minutes. 

Let cool. 

Macronutrients/Cookie: 

116 Calories, 6g Fat, 15.5 Carbs, 9g Protein 

Photo Credit Cody Rininger. 

Cody Rininger 

website 2bimperium.com | phone 712-870-0758 

email: rininger@2bimperium.com 

For more information on specific training and nutrition, contact Cody. He is certified by the 

National Academy of Medicine as a Professional Fitness Instructor in Cardiorespiratory Fitness, 

Heart Variance, Nutrition, Neuromuscular Flexibility, Supplements, and Mental/Behavior 

Performance. He incorporates techniques for concentration, focus, motivation, and ways to 

cope with anxiety. He has been featured in National Fitness Magazines and has spoken on 

several national Podcasts. Cody received his Master’s in Instruction, so has first-hand experience 

with differentiating personalized instruction, planning, and goal setting. He was named 2022 

and 2023 Siouxland Trainer of the Year Award and nominated for 2024 Siouxland’s Choice Best 

Weight Loss Center. Cody trains out of the Four Seasons in Sioux City and North Sioux City.

eXPAND | BE MORE /16 

living 

LUMIN 

By Dr. Meghan Nelson 

& Dr. Ryan Allen 

Place 

In The 

Circle 

Human Tree in Yellowstone. 

T 

he road reveals all. It has always been a part 

of our collective imagination. Whether on a 

paved highway, a wooded trail, an open ocean, 

or the vacuum of outer space, it seems like 

the adventurer in us is always looking elsewhere for 

answers to the questions and problems we face here. 

Gazing at stars, dreaming in between waves, longing for 

a horizon different than our own, it’s like we’re always 

searching. And we travel because we think it’s out there 

where we’ll find it, whatever the IT actually is. This is 

what Kerouac seeks in On the Road, what Steinbeck 

is yearning for in Travels with Charley or The Log from 

the Sea of Cortez. It’s what William Least Heat-Moon 

is pining for in Blue Highways. The answers can be 

wherever we decide to look—hanging on a diner wall 

on Highway 20 in western Nebraska, in a swirling eddy 

on the Snake River in Wyoming, or at a football game at 

Mile High Stadium in Denver. Holiness abounds. Sacred 

is where we decide to bow and pray. 

I don’t need to travel to know this to be true anymore, 

but it is a lesson I know I need consistently repeated, 

a knowledge I need to re-engage with constantly—this 

longing for time to discover space—with family, with 

friends, with God, with myself. And on these roads of life 

I travel I find IT—the elusive I always seem to be searching 

for—the awareness, the connection, the thought, the 

feeling. On the road, I find it ALL. 

For the last twenty-five years, it’s been this way for me. 

The 26 days I spent on the road by myself before I got 

married, Phish tours, cross-country drives here and there 

and back and forth. Our family’s latest journey to the 

wilds was no exception. Nine days. Denver. A Broncos 

and Jets football game. Playing music with friends in 

Jackson Hole. Catching a brown trout in the snow in 

Yellowstone. Losing my phone in the Snake River. Moose 

and elk and owl and fox, eagle and hawk. The Tetons. 

A partial eclipse. And the drives, Griswold minivan time. 

A girl, two boys, a husband, a wife—nine hours across 

Nebraska and eastern Colorado; ten hours through 

high plains desert and mountain passes, the Continental 

Divide. Here. There. Back to Iowa again.


When I was younger, one of 

my favorite movies was Vision 

Quest (1985), the story of 

a high school wrestler who 

decides that in his senior year, 

he’s going to try to beat the 

best, to overcome the biggest 

obstacle, to conquer the one 

no one had ever beaten, 

the undefeated biggest, 

meanest badass in the state. 

It’s a movie about drive, about 

struggle and sacrifice, about 

desire. About love. It’s got it 

all, pure mythology—an old 

Snake River Sangha 

” 

“It’s a story worth repeating. Family. Friends. Fishing. Football. Animals. 

Adventure. Music. Minivan. Time. Love. Light. Again and again and again. 

Brown Trout Yoga 

man, a friend, a lover, a beast. 

There are two parts, though, 

that’ve still stuck with me now 

all these years later—the friend 

who talks about the quest, the 

journey to find your place in 

the circle, and the old man, 

who reminds the hero that life 

is about what you do with your 

time, what you make of your 

moments. 

So, of course, it wasn’t just the 

nine days—time—it was what 

we did with the nine days— 

relaxing, resting, residing 

in a place that allowed us 

to explore space—with each 

other, the Rockies, the Tetons, 

the Broncos, the Snake, with 

ourselves. Feeling it is finding 

IT. And we found it all there. 

And of course, like we could’ve 

expected, it was inside us all 

along. I just needed to lose my 

phone to remind me to find 

myself. Just needed to dance— 

with the music, the mountains, 

my friends, and my loves to 

remind me that the two eyes 

that look out are open for the 

one eye to look within and see. 

We need help along the way. 

Guides. Teachers. Friends. Not 

to walk our path for us, not to 

make it easy, but to remind us of our grace as we 

struggle along the way. To help us remember life is 

for the living, that peace is a breath away, and that 

it’s possible to have a little fun along the way. 

This is our yoga: to live with light, to be the sadhaka, 

to follow sadhana, to bow at the temple within, to 

serve our brothers and sisters, to experience union 

with God. 

The universe is forever expanding. We are too. 

Evolving. Learning. Living. Loving. Finding a 

place in the space. Spinning with grace in this 

ever-widening circle. 

If we were meant to look backward our eyes 

would be in the back of our heads. 

Ecstasy, the dizziness of delight. 

Forward. Drive. 

The Way. 

Lumin Therapy provides integrative health and education 

for the mind, body, and spirit to those suffering or 

struggling to step into and live their heartfelt mission and 

purpose. Through the practice of physical therapy, medical 

therapeutic yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and resiliency 

mentoring, Dr. Meghan Nelson, DPT, and Dr. Ryan Allen, 

Ph.D., bring their over forty-plus combined years of 

knowledge and experience serving individuals, families, 

and organizations to learn and heal and live without 

boundaries. 

Photo Credit, left page, Nathan Jones, right page, Aaron Davis.

Expand | Cover Story / 18 

Emily 

Vollmar 

Be More 

What is your life purpose? 

To always be learning and evolving 

through relationships, experiences, and 

self-exploration. To show kindness, love, 

and support to those around me. 

Personal Mission Statement - 

Having turned 40 this year, I feel like I’ve 

entered a new ‘season’ in my life. I’ve 

had many women share with me that 

their 40’s were some of their favorite 

years and I am absolutely feeling that 

already! I’m lucky enough to have gone 

through some fire and have emerged 

with a strong understanding of myself. My 

40-year-old self’s mission statement is to 

unapologetically be true to myself and to 

live a balanced life of family, work, and self. 

Hiking in Alaska. 

What drives you? 

I am driven to be a part of the revitalization of Downtown Sioux City. I believe that 

Sioux City is ready to support and enjoy a downtown community that offers retail, 

entertainment, dining, and arts. There are so many great businesses downtown 

already offering these things, but to compete with the bigger markets of Sioux 

Falls and Omaha, we need more! 

What have been the most valuable lessons you have learned? 

In my early 30’s, I was at a yoga class in which the instructor guided us to lay on 

our backs on the floor and sprawl our limbs out wide. She told us that we have 

the right to take up space in the world. Just as much as anyone else. This includes 

both physical space, your personal boundaries and home, and mental space in 

the world, your opinions and emotions. I had spent much of my 20s being told to 

be small, quiet, have less of an opinion, to be less emotional- it was liberating to 

consider taking up space! 

I recently attended a John Maxwell training that suggested using LOVE as a 

business strategy. How interesting! Showing love to your customers through 

providing a good experience for them and treating them with kindness and 

respect. Leading your staff with love, promoting their growth, providing a positive 

work environment, considering how their job fits into their personal lives, and 

encouraging them to do more of the things they LOVE to do at work. And finally, 

do your customers ‘Like’ your business or do they ‘LOVE’ it and determine how


James and Emily with their daughters Stella and Amelia in Hawaii. 

you take their emotions from like to love because LOVE not only 

brings them back into your business but will most likely provoke 

them to tell others about it! 

What are your non-negotiables? 

Associating with positive people at work and in personal life. I 

want to spend my time with people who are in line with what 

I want for my own life and preferably people who I can learn 

and grow from being around. Maintaining my physical and 

mental health through exercise, yoga, breathwork, and therapy. 

Lifelong learning by continuous education, self-development, 

and personal growth. 

How do you decompress or unwind? 

I’ve always decompressed with physical activity; walking, hiking, 

and running. Being in and around nature always grounds me 

and reminds me that the world is huge, beautiful, and diverse, 

which is the best way for me to put my stressors into perspective. 

I love running because I am in complete control of that time. 

How fast I go, how far I go, how hard I want to be pushed. A new 

pastime that I’ve discovered 

this year that helps me ‘turn 

off’ is watching the NFL, which 

I never saw coming! 

40th Birthday Hike in Ponca, NE. 

Where do you find joy? 

I find joy in being a mom. 

James and I have 2 daughters, 

Stella (14) and Amelia (10). 

They are very active, and we 

are always running them 

places. I love watching them 

learn and grow. They are each 

very social and have friends 

around us most of the time. 

Our house is always swarming 

with kids, and we love it. We 

Taylor Swift concert with My Sister, Melanie, and her daughters, 

Harper and Evelyn, and my girls, Stella and Amelia. 

seem to always travel with a girl squad! We are always 

jam packing our life with time at the lake, trips, concerts, 

and new experiences. 

I find joy in LIVE MUSIC. I am a singer songwriter kind 

of girl first. Loving poetic lyrics and thus of course am a 

Taylor Swift fan through and through. I got to attend her 

tour this summer with my family, and it was everything! 

I’ve also recently attended the Lumineers, the Chicks, 

and Ed Sheeran in big venues but find equal enjoyment 

in local Sioux City venues. Listening to bluegrass and 

jazz at Vangarde Arts, rap at The Marquee, and concerts 

performed by the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra at the 

Orpheum Theater. Live Music = Life to me.


Do More 

Tell us about your business. 

Rooted Boutique is a women’s and 

men’s clothing boutique located in 

Downtown Sioux City, IA. Rooted 

started in Holstein, IA in my attic, then 

moved to a mobile boutique for a 

year in which we did pop-up shops 

around Iowa in, then a brick and 

mortar store in 2018 on Main St. in 

Holstein. Rooted Sioux City was then 

opened in July 2022. 

We carry an upscale and dressy 

collection of men’s and women’s 

clothing. Some of the most popular 

women’s clothing brands are Joseph 

Ribkoff, Nic+Zoe, Pistola, Joe’s 

Jeans, and footwear lines, Dolce 

Vita and Sam Edelman. The Rooted 

customer ranges in age from their 

20s and beyond. Because there are 

not a lot of shopping options in the 

area, we try to have something for 

everyone. I like to say we are the 

‘Von Maur’ of Northwest Iowa. Our 

menswear was a new addition when 

we opened the Sioux City location. 

Karlton’s Men’s Clothiers had just 

closed its doors and we decided 

to try to meet the need for the men 

in Siouxland, carrying brands like 

7 Diamonds, Mizzen+Main, and 

Liverpool, and Tommy Bahama. 

Rooted Boutique fashion show. 

Our Rooted space has a big city feel to it but with a small town charm. Clothes 

are the star of the space. I keep inventory fresh and always changing so no 

one ever walks in and feels like 

they’ve already seen everything. 

This does result in a great sales 

rack! We love collaborating 

with other businesses for instore 

events! We’ve worked with 

florists, coffee bars, children’s 

clothing stores, aesthetics 

businesses, and jewelers to 

provide a platform for others 

as well as offer our client base 

more diverse retail options 

downtown. 

Our biggest event of the season is always our annual Holiday Fashion Show. This 

event is a HUGE undertaking for my small staff and I to plan and manage. But 

many people help make it possible, from volunteer models to sponsors. It’s a risky 

endeavor for us as the cost is very high and every year we are threatened with 

weather, people’s busy schedules, and other community and sports events. Plus 

the added stressors of preparing the store for the holiday season, managing all 

the new inventory that comes in fast and furious at that time, and marketing and 

selling tickets. 

Ultimately, we love giving people a reason to get dressed up and have a fun night 

downtown. It’s been fun to see the diversity of the crowd change through the 

years to include more men. After the show we host an after party in the store with 

food, holiday drinks, and music. Although nothing ever goes 100% as planned, 

we can accept it because ultimately people enjoy themselves and appreciate 

the experience. It brings people together and is a fun way to kick off the Holiday 

Season! I have met so many people and formed long-lasting personal and 

business relationships as a result of this event. 

What’s the meaning behind the business name? 

Rooted Boutique was named with the idea that what clothing 

we choose to wear on the outside can help us express who 

we are on the inside, at the root of ourselves. Whether it be for 

a job interview, a family photo shoot, or an important event, 

our clothing can be inspiring, confidence building, and a 

reflection of our unique personalities. 

The after party following the fashion show at Rooted Boutique. 

What sets your business apart from the rest? 

We take our relationships with our customers very seriously. 

We strive to know our clients on a personal level. People 

come in need of clothing for all seasons of life, milestones like 

graduations and job interviews, happy events like weddings

and vacations, and hard times like funerals. We want to 

provide a safe and inviting space for ‘our people’ to come 

in and know we’ve got them. Shopping for clothes can be a 

sensitive experience for some and we try to feel our guests 

out to see how much help and advice they want and meet 

them there. We often have clients come in saying they just 

need a little ‘Rooted time’. We love that and are happy to 

catch up, offer a beverage, and give them a break from the 

hectic world out there. We want our clients to feel like they 

are coming over to a friend’s house to shop their closet. 

What makes you the most proud? 

Seeing something created from nothing as a TEAM! Rooted 

Boutique, the brand, the experience, the product, is the result 

of yes, my original vision and every day’s work thereafter, but 

I have an incredible team, many of whom have been with 

Rooted since the beginning. Each has put their own personal 

touch on the brand and her path through their individual 

gifts, personalities, styles, opinions, and relationships with 

our customers. Each person on our team has strengths and I 

encourage them to run wild with them! 

Emily with Jenny and Afton at Rooted Boutique. 

Let’s talk customer service…what’s the client 

experience? 

We are OBSESSED with customer service at Rooted Boutique, 

dedicated to providing a great customer experience from 

start to finish. From the moment a client arrives, we want 

them to feel that appreciation. We strive to greet everyone 

with eye contact and a hello as well as the pleasant scent of 

our signature Rooted aroma being diffused. We play relaxing 

music, often offer a beverage and invite our guests to make 

themselves at home and utilize one of our comfortable 

seating areas. We listen to our customer’s needs and try to 

pull items that fit their lifestyle and preferences and then 

give honest feedback, when asked, which ultimately results 

in forming trusting relationships. When there is trust in our 

product and styling, we find that people are more likely to 

become repeat customers, and repeat, quality over quantity 

clients are what keeps us in business. 

How do you approach obstacles or setbacks? 

We have made many mistakes at Rooted from the wrong 

product to events being held on the wrong dates, to 

marketing and advertising flops. Those setbacks have had 

immediate monetary costs of course, but learning what 

doesn’t work helps us to ultimately continue to better 

ourselves and identify what DOES WORK. 

This past summer, we experienced our biggest obstacle 

which was a road construction project in front of our business 

that took away our customer parking and sidewalk access 

for months. We changed our advertising, our promotions, 

and our buying as much as we could to accommodate our 

‘different’ business for that time. One of my weaknesses is 

asking for help. It took me a little longer than it should have, 

but once I did, I realized that it’s ok to not have it together 

all the time. People want us to be here and are willing to do 

what they can to help. It is just our third year in Siouxland 

and the response from the community when we were 

struggling made me even more committed to staying in 

business in Sioux City for a long time. Getting through that 

tough time opened my eyes even wider to the volatility of 

a small business and how important it is to constantly make 

the effort to support local businesses more fiercely than ever. 

What have been the most valuable lessons you 

have learned in running your own business? 

I grew up with small business owner parents and thus saw 

the hard work and time commitment that owning a small 

business took, so I was prepared for that, luckily. I also saw 

their LOVE for what they did, their love for how they spent 

their days and for their customers, and I knew that I HAD to 

have that in my life! When business isn’t great, I do find myself 

wavering a bit and thinking that I really should have a job with 

a steady/consistent income and stability, but then things turn 

around. That high of seeing something you created succeed 

is such a sweet and fulfilling feeling that I crave and honestly 

don’t know how to live without at this point. I remember I’m 

right where I should be. It’s so motivating knowing that what 

you put into your days, your time, is what you’re going to get 

out of it. 

Advice for others starting out in business? 

It is important to recognize your own strengths and 

weaknesses. We can’t be the best at everything. Focus your 

time on what you do best and bring in help where you’re 

weak. Personally, I am terrible at accounting and the office 

work side of the business, so I have a great accountant 

partner that I work with who keeps us on track. There is a 

cost in that, but it’s worth freeing up my time to utilize what 

comes naturally to me, working with customers and buying. 

Social media is so important in today’s world. The more you 

can communicate with your customer base, telling the story 

of your brand, what’s going on in your business, the more 

you will stay top of mind with your clients. 

Be the face of your brand. People need to see you. See you 

physically in the business, see you in your marketing, see you 

in the community. I am not just ‘Emily’ anymore, I am Emily, 

owner of Rooted Boutique, everywhere I go now. Which was 

weird at first, but now I embrace it and use all opportunities 

to invite people in. 

Rooted is on the corner of 6th and Pierce St. in the Davidson 

Building, connected to the Warrior Hotel. 

Photo Credit Ann Marie Photography. 

Expand | Cover Story / 21

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EXPAND | Do MORE / 23 

How do you contribute? 

When we find meaning in our work it feeds the soul. 

Our work can be an expression of love when we weave service 

into the cracks, contributing to our community by delivering 

excellence in everything we do. 

Whether we run our own business, 

or work at a level of excellence as if it were ours - 

It is felt by others. 

Our writers encourage your professional development 

and contribution to our community, and provide you 

the tools and resources to 

do more.

EXPAND | DO MORE / 24 

Small Business spotlight 

Hotworx 

Want to join 

Stacie on a 

Facebook 

Spotlight? 

I 

t’s that time of year again when 

many people are focusing on selfimprovement, 

specifically improving their 

health and wellness through exercise and 

fitness routines. 

“We’re excited to be in the Siouxland area and to 

bring HOTWORX to Sioux City!” said Katie McDonald- 

McWilliams. Katie and her sister, Ashley, and their 

spouses, are the owners of HOTWORX, all of whom 

were born and raised in Sioux City. Katie and her spouse 

are also both Morningside College graduates. 

HOTWORX offers health improvement through the 

use of infrared heat during workouts and yoga. It is a 

virtually instructed exercise series created for members 

to experience the many benefits of infrared heat 

absorption while completing a 30-minute isometric 

workouts or 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training 

(HIIT) sessions. 

HOTWORX is offering right now your first session at no 

cost. 

“If you go to our Facebook 

Page, or Instagram, you can 

see what we have available 

at what times, and then 

sign up on the app. You can 

sign up at the last minute if 

you suddenly find yourself 

with some free time, or up 

to two days in advance. 

We’re a little different than 

just a yoga studio. We offer 

12 different workouts and 

yoga. We have ten different 

saunas available. Although 

we’re a 24-hour available 

facility, we do have staffed hours. When you sign up for 

your first visit, we’ll show you around and make sure that 

you are comfortable with how things work and answer 

any questions you may have,” said Katie. 

a dry heat, not a humid heat. Some of the results and 

benefits from using infrared heat are muscle recover, 

pain relief, stress reduction, weight loss, increased 

calorie burn, detoxification, lower blood pressure, 

cellulite reduction, anti-aging and skin rejuvenation, and 

improved circulation. 

“Infrared heat is a dry heat so it is more comfortable to 

work out in allowing for easier breathing. With your body 

temperature rising, it allows you to burn more calories, 

too. I’ve had so many people tell me that after their first 

session, they’ve had the best night’s sleep,” said Katie. 

Another of the great things about HOTWORX that sets 

them apart from other fitness facilities is that they are an 

asset to anyone interested in maintaining better fitness 

in their life. If you’re working out in a sauna alone, you 

won’t feel the pressure to compete or compare yourself 

with other participants. However, the saunas allow for 

The thought of working out with infrared heat may cause 

concern for some, worried that working out in hot heat 

may cause them to pass out. However, infrared heat is

“HOTWORX is a great way option to start your fitness goals 

and allows you to do it on your own time. The results our 

members have achieved make it one of the most efficient 

workout programs in the fitness industry. After you try it 

once, your body will crave it and want more!” stated Katie. 


Tanner McWilliams, Katie McDonald-McWilliams, Ashley and 

Eric Larson 

three participants per unit, so you may have a workout 

buddy or two to join you and cheer each other on in 

achieving your fitness goals. 

“It’s not intimidating; you can go at your own pace. 

You work with a virtual instructor, so they are always 

going to be on-time, available for the session you 

sign up for on the app, and motivated to help you 

succeed. When you are choosing your session, you 

can also choose the level of difficulty. If you’re just 

starting out, and once into the session it feels a bit too 

much, you can just sit in the sauna and soak up the 

health benefits,” explained Katie. 

There are 9 different isometric workout sessions, 

30 minutes in length, and three different HIIT (High 

Intensity Interval Training) sessions using biking, 

rowing, or a total body workout that are 15 minutes in 

length. The 12 workout sessions are: 

HOT ISO – Isometric Compression Postures 

HOT PILATES – Traditional Pilates 

HOT YOGA – Athletic Style Yoga 

HOT BUNS – Focus on the Glutes 

HOT BARRE NONE – Unique Ballet 

Workout without the BARRE 

HOT CORE – Abs, Hips, and Lower Back 

HOT WARRIOR – Advanced Series of 

Isometric Postures 

HOT BANDS – Intense Total Body 

Resistance Bands Workout 

HOT STRETCH – Stretch Session Workout 

HOT CYCLE – Cycle Sessions with 

Choreographed Intensity Intervals 

HOT THUNDER – First Ever Dual Pulley 

Water Rower 

HOT BLAST – Strength, Endurance, and 

Cardio HIIT for the Total Body. 

HOTWORX is located at 5826 Sunnybrook Drive in Sioux 

City. You can contact them through their Facebook Page, 

Instagram, and their phone number 712-336-8577 if you 

have any questions or need more information. 

Amy Buster has been a writer/editor for the past 25 years, 

specializing in newspaper and magazine publications. 

Siouxland Magazine is Committed to 

Supporting Siouxland’s Local 

Small Businesses and Nonprofits. 

We have a platform, 

and we want to share it with you. 

Get in front of the community by joining 

Stacie on a Facebook Spotlight. 

Get the details by scanning 

the QR code or visit 

siouxlandmagazine.com.

EXPAND | DO MORE /26 

Thrive Wellness Center 

Iowa’s West Coast Initiative Feature 

Short description of your business: 

Holistic wellness center that brings new and 

innovative health and wellness services to 

Sioux City, aimed at helping with recovery, 

healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. 

What motivated you to start your 

business? 

I was driving out of town on a routine basis for 

hyperbaric oxygen therapy and whole-body 

cryotherapy. After 4-5 months of frequent 

out-of-town travel for wellness modalities, 

I wanted to bring those same innovative 

services to Siouxland. As a Nurse Practitioner, I 

want to help people with health and wellness. 

I like to focus on preventing illness, injury, or 

disease rather than conventional medicine, 

which often focuses on symptom control 

and disease management. While both are 

important, I enjoy working with people who 

want to prevent illness. I like the quote by Jim 

Rohn, “Take care of your body, it’s the only 

place you have to live.” 

What’s unique about your business? 

We have Siouxland’s only cryotherapy unit and 

vertical and lounger mild hyperbaric oxygen 

chambers. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve 

had to overcome as you’ve grown 

your business? 

Our business recently opened on 

11/27/23. We are still trying to educate the 

public on our new wellness modalities, such 

as mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy and 

whole-body cryotherapy, which have a host 

of benefits including accelerating recovery 

and healing; boosting energy, endurance and 

athletic performance; improving circulation, 

mental clarity and mood; and decreasing 

inflammation within the body. 

Business Owner: Amy Peirce and Cassidy Walker 

Business Name: Thrive Wellness Center 

Main Products/Services: Holistic and Innovative Health and Wellness Services 

Location: 819 Gordon Dr., Ste B. Sioux City, IA 51101 (directly behind IHOP) 

Connect: www.thrivewellnesscenter.net 

Red Light Therapy.

What has been your 

greatest reward? 

The biggest reward thus 

far is seeing the benefits 

it has already had on my 

friends and family, who 

have willingly tried the 

new wellness modalities. 

Some of my friends and 

family would never have 

gone out of town for 

such services. However, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chambers. 

since they are here in 

Siouxland now, they are utilizing the services and enjoying the benefits. 


How have you benefited from the startup community in Sioux 

City and the region? What resources did you use? 

My business partner, Cassidy Walker, who has an established business (Thrive 

Health and Hydration), was a substantial influence and immensely helpful in 

starting the new wellness center. Additionally, Todd Rausch with the Small 

Business Development Center at Western Iowa Tech, Downtown Partners, 

and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce have been helpful in our business 

startup. The small business community in Siouxland is a very tight-knit group 

of people who are helpful and want to see others succeed. 

Are there any experiences that were particularly influential in 

that regard? 

Visiting Todd Rausch early in the planning stage was helpful and provided 

me with a lot of guidance and resources. The Siouxland Chamber of 

Commerce staff was also very helpful in providing me with many resources 

and connecting me with other chamber members. Special thanks to Angela 

Rogers; she is fantastic! 

Whole-body Cryotherapy Chamber. 

Why is it important for the 

community to support startups 

and small businesses? 

It is important because starting a new 

business is a long and arduous process, 

which is often a lonely road. So, it is 

great to have support from other small 

businesses and community members. It 

truly takes a village! 

What are some future goals for 

your company? 

We would like to continue growing our 

wellness center with innovative wellness 

modalities so that Siouxlanders do not 

have to travel or leave town for services. 

Iowa’s West Coast Initiative (IWCI) is a collaboration between the economic 

development organizations in Plymouth, Monona, and Woodbury 

counties, and includes the following organizations: City of Sioux City, 

Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, Siouxland Economic 

Development Corporation, The Siouxland Initiative, Le Mars Business 

Initiative Corporation, Woodbury County, and Monona County. Learn 

more about IWCI at www.IAWestCoast.com. 

Photos Contributed By Thrive Wellness Center.

SBDC 

Taking Care of Business 

By Todd Rausch 


The Future Of Small Businesses In Sioux City: 

A Glimpse Into Launch Week 

T 

he recent Launch Week in Sioux City, held 

from November 14-17, 2023, showcased the 

entrepreneurial spirit and innovative potential 

of small businesses in the region. Organized 

by Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, the event brought 

together a diverse array of stakeholders, including aspiring 

entrepreneurs, established business owners, industry 

experts, and community leaders, to foster collaboration, 

exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for Sioux City’s 

small business ecosystem. 

The week-long event started with a lunch and learn 

‘Social Media for Small Business” by Elizabeth Johnson. 

Throughout the week, attendees participated in a series 

of workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions 

that covered a wide range of topics relevant to small 

businesses, from marketing and finance to technology 

and international trade. 

A key highlight of Launch Week was the Biz Brew event, 

held at Jackson Street Brewing Company, which brought 

together entrepreneurs and business professionals in a 

casual setting to network and exchange ideas. The event 

featured presentations from local business leaders who 

shared their experiences and offered advice to aspiring 

entrepreneurs. 

Looking ahead, the future of small businesses in Sioux City is 

bright. The city’s growing entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with 

its strategic location and supportive infrastructure, provides 

a fertile ground for small businesses to flourish. The recent 

Launch Week served as a catalyst for this growth, bringing 

together the expertise, resources, and enthusiasm needed to 

propel Sioux City’s small business community to new heights. 

The SBDC is federally and state funded with the sole purpose of 

helping small businesses to succeed! Our entire purpose is to 

help you move your business forward. 

Todd Rausch, Regional Director for the Small Business Development 

Center at Western Iowa Tech Community College. 712-274-6454 | 

Todd.rausch@witcc.edu 

Kletschke Wealth 

Management Group 

Personalized Investment Strategies 

The week’s highlight was a Business for Breakfast at the 

Sioux City Convention Center. Adam Carrol was excellent!!! 

Launch Week also provided opportunities for attendees 

to connect with potential mentors and investors, further 

demonstrating the event’s commitment to supporting the 

growth and success of small businesses in Sioux City. The 

event’s organizers expressed their satisfaction with the 

turnout and engagement, emphasizing the importance of 

fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurship 

and innovation in the region. 

Launch Week in Sioux City was a powerful testament to 

the resilience and potential of small businesses in the 

region. The event’s focus on innovation, collaboration, 

and mentorship highlighted the critical ingredients for 

fostering a thriving small business ecosystem. As the city 

continues to embrace entrepreneurship and support the 

growth of small businesses, it is poised to become a hub 

for innovation and economic prosperity. 

Korey Kletschke, CFP ® , ChFC ® 

Associate Vice President/Investments 

Branch Manager 

(712) 252-6956 

www.kletschkeinvest.com 

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated 

Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

expand | DO MORE /30 

Leading the Way 

Leadership Siouxland 

By Peggy Smith 

How Can I Make A Positive Difference 

On As Many People As Possible? 

One of my favorite things about being the 

Executive Director of Leadership Siouxland is 

the opportunity to help class participants find 

their passion and become involved in making a positive 

difference in the Siouxland community. 

Our November session is traditionally devoted 

to educating the class on several mission-driven 

organizations within Siouxland – their mission, their 

impact, and how people can get involved. An assignment 

before the session is to view the YouTube TedTalk by 

Adam Braun, founder of Pencils of Promise, entitled “Five 

Phrases That Can Change Your Life.” His presentation 

always inspires me and guides me on the key points that 

can make me a better person, and a better contributor 

to our community. 

themselves and what they are capable of when using 

their innate talents. 

One of the goals of the nine-month curriculum is 

to cultivate community involvement by program 

graduates. Many class members are unfamiliar with the 

process of becoming a board member, or how to find 

a board that “fits” them. “Get out of your comfort zone” 

is another of Adam Braun’s phrases. Becoming a board 

member is often outside of a participant’s comfort zone, 

and therefore helps them grow as an individual and a 

leader. The class is provided with resources that inform 

them on the types of boards, board governance, habits 

of effective board members, and questions to consider 

if they are considering joining a board. Leadership 

Siouxland strives to equip participants with tools to 

“Make the little decisions with your head, and the big ones with your heart. 

– Adam Braun 

“How can you create the most positive impact on as 

many lives as possible?” is one of Adam’s phrases that 

encourages us to think about what we can do, and how 

we can get involved. At our November 2 session, our 

class heard from eight agencies – New Perspectives, Inc.; 

Siouxland Soup Kitchen; Hope Street; Life Skills Training 

Center; CAASA; Unity in the Community; Simple Life; 

and Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. If you are not familiar 

with these great organizations and what they do to help 

Siouxlanders have a better life, I encourage you to take 

the time to visit their websites and discover the impact 

they are making every day. 

Six different project “teams” were formed from this year’s 

Leadership Siouxland class of 37 individuals. Each team 

will partner with one of the agencies that presented on 

November 2, or another organization within Siouxland, 

and work together between December and May to 

complete a project that will meet the organization’s 

needs. Working together as a team with a shared passion 

is a great way for the class to understand and utilize each 

team member’s skills and talents, and better understand 

” 

help them on their personal leadership journey, and their 

journey to help others. 

My favorite of Adam Braun’s five phrases is this one – 

“Make the little decisions with your head, and the big ones 

with your heart.” If we listen to our heart, we can find our 

passion; if we find our passion, we can make a positive 

difference and leave a legacy we can be proud of. 

The mission of Leadership Siouxland is to develop diverse, 

passionate leaders who positively impact our community for 

today and tomorrow. Leadership Siouxland began in 1984 

and is proud of the over 1200 graduates who make positive 

differences each and every day. To learn more, contact 

Peggy Smith, Executive Director, at 712-898-8594 or email 

info@leadershipsiouxland.org. 

Peggy Smith, Executive Director of Leadership Siouxland, an 

organization devoted to developing leaders who make a positive 

difference in the Siouxland community.

Experience 

Downtown 

By Tracie Tuttle 

EXPAND | DO MORE /31 

It’s a time for new beginnings 

in Downtown Sioux City! 

The last year was full of exciting new 

projects, including the addition of 

new lighting all along 4th Street and in 

the Alley Art alleyways; fun events like 

Downtown LIVE, July Jam, Art Affair, Downtown 

Tailgate Party, and the return of Ragbrai; and in 

the midst of it all - Downtown Partners added two 

new faces to the office! 

Please let me introduce myself; I’m Tracie 

Tuttle, Downtown Partner’s proud new Business 

Development Coordinator! I was initially introduced 

to the organization during an internship at Vangarde 

Arts, where I worked with Downtown Partners and 

the Alley Art committee to help organize the very 

first Alley Art Festival in 2019. Since that time, I’ve 

worked and volunteered as a graphic designer, artist, 

and gallery coordinator downtown. As the Business 

Development Coordinator, I am responsible for 

attracting and retaining business, acting as a front-line 

contact for downtown, and social media promotion. 

I’m thrilled to be part of the team behind growing and 

beautifying Downtown Sioux City. I’ve loved meeting 

the leaders, business owners, and community 

members that make this such a remarkable place to 

be. I’m looking forward to meeting you; please reach 

out so I can learn more about your business and 

passion downtown. 

Shortly after arriving, it was time to start planning 

for the holidays! I had the pleasure of planning and 

promoting some of your favorite holiday events – like 

the largest IBEW Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade 

ever, the Holiday Storefront Decorating Competition, 

Small Business Bingo, and our 12 Days of Giveaways. 

We also worked very closely with Iowa’s West Coast 

Initiative on their Small Business Marketplace for our 

local entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

It’s indeed a time for new beginnings in Downtown 

Sioux City with our dedicated team and your support 

going into 2024. Be sure to follow us on social 

media and stay up-to-date with all the great events 

and projects happening downtown. If you have not 

subscribed yet, our e-blast is a great way to be the first 

to know about all of the things to do in Downtown Sioux 

City each week. You can sign up to receive this newsletter 

by visiting www.downtownsiouxcity.com and we promise 

we use this list for nothing other than one weekly jampacked 

email! 

Contributed by Downtown Partners, a non-profit 

organization that works with downtown stakeholders to 

create a vibrant, expanding downtown. To learn more about 

Downtown Partners and stay up to date on downtown 

projects and events, visit downtownsiouxcity.com

Council 

Connection 

By Alex Watters 


Perspectives and Respect 

Having served on the city council 

since 2017, I have worked through 

my fair share of contentious topics 

and dealt with misinformation and 

frustrations. There have been debates 

on whether individuals should be allowed to have certain 

breeds of dogs, what elements need to be required when 

rebuilding our infrastructure, whether fireworks should be 

allowed, etc. However, it seems that divisive language and 

misleading rhetoric are becoming more commonplace than 

rare occurrences. It is certainly my hope that with the latest 

election behind us, we can get back to working together 

despite different perspectives and perhaps more importantly, 

disagree respectfully. 

Warrior Hotel renovation project downtown. 

We have a lot of great things happening in our community, 

but there continue to be pain points we need to work 

through. Downtown Sioux City boasts several great 

examples of buildings that have been rehabilitated and are 

getting a second chance. Perhaps the most extensive is the 

Warrior Hotel, but others would be the Badgerow building, 

the Riviera Theater, and soon, the Benson, Aalfs, and Francis 

Canteen buildings. However, many other projects experience 

delays, difficulty working through inspections/regulations, 

and struggles with the supply chain. No matter the reason 

for these delays, I have heard loud and clear the frustration of 

entrepreneurs and developers with the process and lack of 

flexibility with our code. On the contrary, as a city, we have a 

vested interest in working with our inspectors and ordinances 

to make sure that we are producing quality projects that will 

last. While this perspective is imperative, we must also be 

certain that our ordinances and applications are not so rigid 

that limited funds are not spent on a requirement when a 

much more affordable option would suffice. 

Large projects undoubtedly come with more complicated 

processes, more organizations involved, and more at stake. 

Projects such as the wastewater treatment plant include the 

Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection 

Agency, residents of Sioux City, multiple sister cities, and 

industries ranging in size and usage. Projects like the Gordon 

Drive viaduct include the Iowa Department of Transportation, 

the Army Corps of Engineers, and many other entities 

mentioned above. These projects cost hundreds of millions of 

dollars and affect everyone. If you ask any involved parties about 

a particular project, you will get a different perspective. Again, 

while there may be multiple perspectives and ideas about how 

to approach these projects, it is imperative that we respect each 

other and keep in mind the overall goal: the betterment of our 

community. In some of these cases, our hands are tied, but in 

most, we need to work with each other to ensure the safety and 

future of our community. 

It is this breakdown in communication and lack of collaboration 

that I have been so disappointed in recently. The level of anger 

and the amount of name-calling I have witnessed in multiple 

meetings over the last few months is staggering. What’s 

unfortunate about this line of communication is that it breaks 

down constructive dialogue and causes people to dig their 

heels in further. It is my hope that as we go through this holiday 

season and into the new year, we think of what is at stake, what 

we love about our community, and how we can work together 

for a better future. 

Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City 

awatters@sioux-city.org

Everything you need to file your taxes, 

on one sheet 

It’s that time of year again: tax season! 

Whether you’re filing taxes yourself or hiring a professional, getting your tax documents organized 

can help speed up the process. In this article, we’ll break down the exact documents you’ll need 

to prepare your taxes from 2023. We even created a simple tax preparation checklist to help get 

you started! 

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PREPARE MY TAXES? 

The forms and documents you’ll need to file your taxes can be broken down into three 

basic categories: 

Personal information, income information and possible credits/deductions. See the checklist on 

the next page to get the full breakdown. 

Ellen Prescott is the Senior Vice President and General Auditor at Security 

National Bank. A financial professional and designated CPA with more 

than 40 years of auditing experience, Prescott is recognized as a Certified 

Bank Auditor by the Bank Administration Institute and has served as past 

chairman of the Iowa Bankers Association Compliance committee. She 

holds a master’s degree in business from the University of South Dakota. 

Member FDIC 

SNBonline.com


864 

Hours 

By Rachael Burnett 

Social media has become vital 

for businesses to connect with 

their target audience. It enables 

personalized messaging, refined 

marketing strategies, and fosters 

brand loyalty. Additionally, it 

serves as a community hub and 

valuable customer service channel, 

helping businesses deliver what 

their customers want and need. 

Social Media, you either love it or hate it. But 

the world cannot escape the ease of a digital 

platform. These digital platforms hold the key 

to speaking to your audience fast, and directly. 

It allows you to post, comment, and interact with 

your friends, family, and most importantly for a business 

owner, your customers. 

When deciding where to market your business, the 

common question we ask ourselves is who our target 

audience is and where they are looking. Yes, everyone 

drives by billboards every day, they see commercials on 

television but how can we niche down our marketing to 

directly talk to our customers? That answer is often social 

media. The majority of the population has one or more 

platforms of social media in their pockets every day. The 

average person spends 2.5 hours of their day scrolling 

through social media. That equates to 864 hours a year, 

about 36 days of the year they are scrolling. 

This digital age has changed the way for marketers. Making 

it easier than ever to promote, educate, and communicate 

with people. Unlike traditional advertising methods, social 

media marketing goes beyond one-way communication. It 

is highly interactive, allowing businesses to receive immediate 

feedback and adapt their strategies in real-time. Moreover, 

social media platforms provide businesses with abundant 

valuable data about consumer behavior, which can be 

leveraged to refine their marketing strategies and maximize 

their return on investment. This data-driven approach 

empowers businesses to effectively segment their audience, 

personalize their messaging, and target their advertisements 

with precision. By analyzing metrics such as engagement 

rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, businesses 

can gain deeper insights into customer preferences and 

behaviors, allowing for even more tailored and effective 

marketing campaigns. 

The power of social media extends beyond mere marketing 

tactics. It has the exceptional ability to foster a sense of 

community around a brand. Through consistent engagement, 

genuine conversations, and meaningful interactions, 

businesses can cultivate strong brand loyalty and transform 

their customers into passionate advocates. Social media 

platforms provide a space for customers to connect with 

each other, share their experiences, and form a community 

centered around a shared interest or passion. This sense of 

belonging and camaraderie can have a profound impact on 

brand perception and customer loyalty.

In addition to its marketing and community-building 

capabilities, social media also serves as a valuable 

customer service channel. Customers can easily reach 

out to businesses through direct messaging or public 

comments, seeking assistance or providing feedback. 

Social media platforms offer businesses an opportunity 

to showcase their responsiveness and dedication to 

customer satisfaction, further enhancing their reputation 

and building trust. 

Social media can be a powerful tool for understanding 

customer behavior and preferences. By studying customer 

interactions and responses to your content, businesses 

can gain valuable insights into what resonates with their 

audience and tailor their offerings accordingly. In this way, 

businesses are better equipped to deliver the types of 

products and services that customers want and need. 

Now the question is what platforms are your customers 

using? 


“ 

Social media can be 

a powerful tool for 

understanding customer 

behavior and preferences. 

“ 

Rachael Burnett 

712.899.6937 | marketing-moon.com 

rachael@rmoonmarketing.com 

Rachael Burnett, owner of Moon Media. Founded in 2021, 

Moon Media originated from a profound realization - that my 

cherished hometown is home to numerous 

small to midsize businesses yet to harness 

the immense potential of digital platforms. 

Armed with expertise in graphic and 

interior design, fueled by an unwavering 

passion for creativity, Rachael embarked on 

a mission to unveil the magnificent wonders 

Sioux City has to offer. 

Four Seasons Health Club 

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One Combat Academy 

To inspire people to live their best life 

through engagement in mixed martial arts. 

Fit Bliss 

Fuel your body with the goodness it deserves! 

Siouxland Acceleration 

The Acceleration Program improves athletic 

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meet the needs of the individual athlete 

and their preferred sport. 

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EXPAND | Give more /39 

give 

more 

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. 

The purpose of life is to give it away.” -Pablo Picasso 

We can give of ourselves through our work. 

We can rise to the call when we are needed to volunteer 

or participate on a nonprofit board. 

We can hold space to comfort someone in need - 

Lend an ear or a shoulder. 

When you think you have nothing to give - 

Give more.

EXPAND | Give more / 40

Inclusive 

EPEEK 

H 

Esha 

Gardoud 

What challenges have you experienced in Siouxland? 

A challenge I’ve overcome in Siouxland is adapting to the small-town aura this city exudes. 

Although I’m from Iowa, the switch from an urban environment to a small city was a huge 

difference to get used to. 

s 

A” 

How has Siouxland been welcoming? 

Siouxland’s ability to show off its diverse cultures through night markets, cultural shows, 

and hair expos has proven how open community members are to learning about different 

cultures and people. 

What do you want the people of Siouxland to know? 

I want the people of Siouxland to know this city isn’t dying. There’s so much potential, and 

leaders have already proven it; I call them the unsung heroes of Siouxland. All the right effort 

and collaboration between different people is happening, it’s just not talked about enough. 

“If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you 

have to make it yourself. 

” 

– Mindy Kaling 

In Spanish 

¿Qué desafíos ha experimentado en Siouxland? 

Un desafío que he superado en Siouxland es adaptarme al aura de pueblo pequeño que emana esta ciudad. Aunque soy de 

Iowa, el cambio de un entorno urbano a una ciudad pequeña fue una gran diferencia a la que acostumbrarme. 

¿Cómo ha sido la recibida de Siouxland? 

La capacidad de Siouxland para mostrar sus diversas culturas a través de mercados nocturnos, espectáculos culturales y 

exposiciones de peluquería ha demostrado cuán abiertos están los miembros de la comunidad a aprender sobre diferentes 

culturas y personas. 

¿Qué quiere que sepa la gente de Siouxland? 

Quiero que la gente de Siouxland sepa que esta ciudad no está muriendo. Hay mucho potencial y los líderes ya lo han 

demostrado; Yo los llamo los héroes anónimos de Siouxland. Se está realizando todo el esfuerzo y la colaboración adecuados 

entre diferentes personas, pero no se habla lo suficiente de ello.. 

“Si no ves un camino claro para lo que quieres, a veces tienes que 

hacerlo tú mismo. 

– Mindy Kaling 

EXPAND | Give more /41

Expand | Give more / 42 

Nonprofit spotlight 

Girls 

Inc. 

Want to join 

Stacie on a 

Facebook 

Spotlight? 

Navigating with Mean Girls in a BARBIE World 

T 

he Siouxland community is very fortunate to 

count among its many blessings to have the 

only Iowa chapter of Girls Inc.. The Sioux City 

chapter recently received national attention from 

the talking points guidelines that Executive Director, 

Mandy Engle-Cartie, wrote for two major motion pictures 

in the theaters, Barbie, and the new Mean Girls movie. The 

guidelines were written to help facilitate discussions among 

the staff and participants. 

“The mission of Girls Inc. is inspiring all girls to be 

strong, smart, and bold! In today’s world, with not only 

the stress of peer pressure but also the strong influences 

put on young women through the media and social media, 

attempting that goal may seem daunting. However, Girls 

Inc. wholeheartedly accepts the challenge. I love the 

mission statement; it’s so pithy and straight to the point. 

For us, being strong means being healthy; we do a lot of 

education for the girls about maintaining both their physical 

and mental health throughout their lifetime. Smart, we view 

as being educated and having education goals, our goal 

is to encourage girls to be lifelong learners. We have a 

tutoring center where they can get help if they’re struggling 

academically. We also take them to local colleges, hopefully, 

to inspire them to consider post-secondary education,” 

explained Mandy. 

The proof is in the pudding; as Mandy went on to explain. 

“We’ve been able to watch this work, as a number of Girls 

Inc. participants go on to college and then come back and 

work for us, which is great!” stated Mandy. 

Then, there is the third component of the mission 

statement, bold. 

“As women, we view being bold as becoming 

independent, and there’s a lot that goes into being an 

independent woman. There are plenty of challenges 

and barriers that you have to navigate; however, the key 

to navigating that path is to develop a strong support 

system. Wonderful role models that can help get you 

through that path and inspire leadership. We try to do 

that by giving girls the opportunity to experience that for 

themselves,” said Mandy. 

Addressing the mental health needs of girls and young 

women today, as Girls Inc. is available for girls from age 6 

to 18, is not something Mandy takes lightly. Girls Inc. serves 

as a safe environment for the participants to try different 

things and to know that it’s ok to fail and try again. 

“Our overarching environment and commitment is to 

serving girls’ needs, and to do this through meeting them 

where they are. The beginning of that is having that space at 

Girls Inc., where we have removed boys from the equation. 

It doesn’t have to be that way all the time, but girls need 

that time to really develop at their own rate and to be able 

to ask questions that might be embarrassing to ask in front 

of a boy. We have different bodies and different health 

needs, and this is a safe space to address those needs and 

issues,” said Mandy. 

Remembering a specific incident, Mandy smiled and 

almost teared up, recalling the situation. 

The mission of Girls Inc. is inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold!

2 

“One of my favorite memories is getting a call from a 

mom who was on vacation in Florida with her family. She 

called and said, ‘I just had to let you know that while we’re 

here on vacation, my daughter got her first period, and it 

was no big deal. Thank you, Girls Inc.. She knew what was 

going on and why; she’d been educated, and it was really 

organic. She knew it was just part of growing up.’ I know 

a lot of people aren’t comfortable with that conversation, 

but as women, it’s a reality and something we have to 

learn how to deal with and we need to figure out how to 

get through life,” stated Mandy. 

Statistically, 82 percent of families in the Sioux City School 

district are in the reduced or free lunch program at school 

and come from dual-working households. Prada purses 

and Gucci sunglasses are not the norm in these lives, 

despite the pressures from the media to fit in and be cool. 

“We are absolutely deliberate in not talking about how 

someone looks because that is such a sensitive subject. 

We talk about who they are inside. We love what you 

can do. We love what a great friend you are to people. 

We, as a staff, share tips about comments to make that 

will encourage girls and truly elevate their mental health. 

To help them really rise up above the pressures that they 

face. We remind them time and time again that it is about 

what you can do, what you want to do in your life, and all 

the support that’s there around you to help you achieve 

that. Let’s focus on gratitude as much as we can; there’s 

a lot to be grateful for, particularly in an environment like 

Girls Inc. Here, we’re all on the same page. We’re not 

focused on how you look; we’re focused on who you are 

inside, and we go back to that time and time again. We’ve 

found that’s really important with girls. They want to be 

acknowledged for their caring selves, their intelligent 

selves, and for their friendships,” stated Mandy. 

Mandy has a sharp eye on things in the media addressing 

young ladies today, and she takes an assertive and 

proactive approach to addressing these concerns. 

Inspired by what they had witnessed with their own staff and 

participants at the Sioux City branch, the discussion guide 

was posted on the Girls Inc. national service. Various Girls 

Inc. chapters added questions to the guide, and then also 

implemented the use of the guide with its staff and participants. 

“I was so honored, Dr. Stephanie Hull, the National Director 

of Girls Inc., had seen the Barbie discussion guide and really 

liked it. She reached out to me after Tina Fey had reached out 

to her and said that she would like to partner with us for the 

release of the new Mean Girls movie, in January 2024. Dr. Hull 

asked if I would take the lead on writing the discussion guides. 

It was a huge honor for Sioux City.” 

Mandy developed two discussion guides for the movie; one 

was to be facilitated by Girls Inc. staff, and was a bit more 

intense, and then one was developed for parents to discuss the 

movie with their children. You can watch the entire Facebook 

Nonprofit Spotlight interview on Siouxland Magazine’s 

Facebook Page. You can also access the guide on the Girls Inc. 

website to talk with your daughter about the movie to make 

sure they don’t miss the important messages that are woven 

throughout. 

INTRODUCTION 

Girls Inc. is pleased to partner with Paramount Pictures for the January 2024 release of Mean Girls. As part 

of the cinematic debut of the hit musical, we aim to engage young people in dialogue about a lyship, 

bu lying, and creating safe spaces in schools; and spotligh the connection between these themes and Girls 

Inc.’s mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. 

This guide was developed for trusted adults who are looking for ideas about discussing themes and topics 

from the film with their teens. More resources may be found after the questions. If your teen is a member of 

Girls Inc. and you’d like additional guidance, please reach out to the Program Leader at your local Girls Inc. 

a filiate. 

Mean Girls is rated PG-13. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) defines a PG-13 rating as 

“Parents Strongly Cautioned: Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for preteenagers.” 

The MPAA rating system is explained at filmratings.com, which also suggests tha trusted adults 

“Reinforce the positive values of a movie by sitting down with your children after the show and discussing what 

they saw. Use the movie as an educational aid, clearing up any misunderstandings and sharing new ideas.” 

TIPS FOR TRUSTED ADULTS 

● Watch the movie with her. If possible, make it a special evening. Sure, she might see it later with 

friends, but knowing that you took the time to see it with her is meaningful. 

● If possible, choose a time and place free of distractions and interruptions. Your talk could happen in 

the car on the way home after the movie, over coffee or laundry, or on a walk. 

● No screens. Your teen will know that you take her seriously and are focused on her input, but only if 

you aren’t checking your phone. Conversely, you deserve the same attention from her during 

important conversations. You may wan to ask if it’s a good time for her to talk. 

● Ask broad questions and take time to process the answers before you respond. The goal is to learn 

and discover more about each other and to a low for an honest, respectful exchange. Taking the time 

to unpack her words before you respond may help avoid judgments that could stifle the conversation. 

● She rea ly does care what you think. Research shows that even when teens te l us we are “cringy,” 

trusted adults have a strong influence on behavior and future decision-making. 

● Keep your personal examples broad, at least at first. You may have experienced cliques and bu lies 

when you were in high school and you may not be comfortable sharing – that’s okay. Detailing the 

specifics could move the focus of the conversation away from her. One technique is to start out 

sharing your history in broad terms. For example, “I once had a friend share my secrets and it really 

hurt. It ended our friendship. Has something like that ever happened to you?” That way the focus 

remains on your teen and preserves your privacy. 

● Agree on language. Do you both agree on the definition of bu lying? As a rule, bu lying is hurtful, 

intentional, ongoing, and teens often have a hard time making it stop. This is di ferent from a typical 

disagreement or conflict. I she talking about emotional, cyber, or physical bu lying? 

● There are excellent resources for talking to your teen about bu lying. You may wish to look up tips for 

adults on YouTube, for example. Girls Inc. and your teen’s school can help! 

● Quality conversations come from trust. Building trust can take time and may not happen immediately 

after seeing the film. 

● Listening to understand is always the key. 

Scan 

QR Code to 

the Talking 

Points Guide 

Girls Inc. is located in Cook Park, at 505 Main Street in 

Sioux City, Iowa. They offer programs for girls from 

ages 6-18 during the school year and the summer. The 

organization can be contacted at girlsincofsiouxcity.org 

or Facebook @GirlsIncOfSiouxCity. 

EXPAND | Give more /43 

“As a kid, I wasn’t that into Barbie. Looking back now, 

though, I can see the many career choices and great 

messages about not limiting yourself. The movie was 

directed by Greta Gerwig, and I knew she would have a lot 

of strong messages; the movie had a lot of diversity and 

female empowerment. But as I followed the discussions 

nationally on social media, and even through the Girls 

Inc. affiliates, it was all about the pink, Ryan Gosling, and 

crushes.” 

Mandy wrote out a set of questions, which she then 

developed into a discussion guide that the staff at Girls 

Inc. implemented. 

“At Girls Inc., we are very intentional about the things 

that we do because we know they send a message. The 

conversations that came out of the talking points among 

our staff were amazing! We took girls from 4th grade up 

to see the movie. When we came back, the conversations 

we had were incredible. That from 4th grade, and 

even younger, girls are feeling the pressures of how 

expectations are different for girls.” 


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Expand | Give more / 44 

Ann Rehan Goebel 

Foundation 

Inaugural 

Winter 

Gala 

Saturday, February 24 

6-10 p.m. | Marriott Riverfront 

T 

he first Annual Winter Gala honoring the 

Ann Rehan Goebel Foundation will be 

held Saturday, February 24, from 6-10 p.m., 

at the Marriott Riverfront in South Sioux. The 

evening promises to be a night of elegance and 

entertainment, celebrating Ann’s legacy, a beloved 

Siouxland pediatrician who passed away from a brave 

battle with cancer in February 2023. 

“Our vision for it is a night of 

celebrating where you have the 

best time. It’s going to be ritzy 

and fun, celebrating together 

is the most important thing. For 

those who knew her, or believe 

in our mission, it will be a night of 

live music with dueling pianos, a 

small band, and a playlist of 70s, 

80s, and 90s music, good food, 

plenty of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, Mary Goebel 

and a silent auction,” shared Ann’s daughter, Mary, the 

president of the foundation. 

Ann passed away on February 20, 2023, a day after her 

62nd birthday, at the end of a brave battle against cancer. 

Gone much before her time, her family and friends truly 

believed that her work wasn’t complete. They formed 

the foundation that will provide scholarships for students 

going into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, 

and Mathematics) careers. The first recipient will be 

announced that night at the Gala. 

“We wanted to take the angle of education with this 

because of who she was as a physician. She poured her 

whole heart into her work and career. She was so uniquely 

incredible and impactful. The thought behind our mission 

is that we’re helping foster her legacy. We want to find 

candidates that will be as impactful as she was - not only 

skilled and ambitious physicians but people who have a 

big heart and will go the extra mile for their patients. The 

physician who will make sure a mother feels confident in 

herself in the toughest stage of her life; the doctor that 

will make sure that if a kid needs to be airlifted to UNMC, 

they will stay the extra hour after their shift to make sure 

that it happens,” stated Mary. 

Tickets for the event may be purchased on the website, 

and applicants for the scholarship may also apply on the 

website, www.argfoundation.org/events. The deadline 

for scholarship applications is February 4. 

“We started the foundation because my mom was such 

a passionate pediatrician; it was such a big part of who 

she was. She wanted to be a pediatrician her whole life, 

since she was nine years old. She always told the story 

of when she was in 4th grade and she decided she 

wanted to be a doctor after reading The First Female 

Physician in the States. She was very passionate about 

science and medicine. We thought the foundation

EXPAND | GIVE MORE /45 

John and Ann 

“Ann was everything to many of us. 

would be a great way to continue 

her legacy,” said Mary. 

Mary is joined in leading the 

foundation by her father, John 

Goebel, who serves as treasurer, 

and her sister, Katie Schminke, 

who is vice president. Katy Rehan, 

Rachael Wragge, and Erin Kruger 

also serve on the board of 

directors. 

Katie Schminke 

“If you knew my mom as a pediatrician and thought 

that she was awesome, that’s exactly how she was as a 

mom, too! Just present, extremely warm, my memories of 

growing up as a young child . . . she was just so warm and 

comforting. I was so proud of her. I thought she was a lowkey 

celebrity. If there was ever an opportunity for parents 

to come to school, I was so excited. If my mom walked 

through the door, I was like THAT’S MY MOM! She was 

an electric human being. She laughed all the time and 

had a sharp wit. But she also knew when it was time to 

be serious and compassionate. Anything she loved, she 

loved wholeheartedly. She loved Broadway and The 

Sound of Music. She’d always be singing at the top of her 

lungs,” shared Mary. 

Food, community, music . . . all little components fitting 

together that were the things that she loved. That’s how 

this night is being construed, almost with the thought of 

” 

what would Ann do? Would she like that? If the answer 

was yes, they’re doing it. If the answer was no, or they 

weren’t sure, it isn’t happening. 

“That’s exactly right! It almost feels selfish in a way. I loved 

my mom, and I want to remember her and honor her 

memory. I feel like a lot of foundations for scholarships 

only have the tie to the person in name attached to it; 

it’s not the person who it’s in honor of reflected in it. We 

hope the Ann Rehan Goebel Foundation scholarship 

provides a stepping stone to future generations of 

STEM students to pursue a life-changing career and live 

their lives ‘all the way up’,” replied Mary. 

Ann’s husband, John, called Ann his bullfighter in 

reference to a quote by Hemingway: “Nobody ever 

lives their life all the way up except bullfighters.” 

But Hemingway didn’t know Ann. As her obituary said, 

“Most of us go through life hoping to be something 

to someone. Ann was everything to many of us. We 

invite you to honor her life by embracing her spirit: 

unabashedly showing love, sipping a glass of wine 

surrounded by a beautiful view, singing at the top of 

your lungs, and always ---always--- being your own 

fabulous self.” 

For more information about the foundation, and more 

wonderful stories about Ann, visit the Ann Rehan Goebel 

Foundation Facebook page, or follow on Instagram at 

#argfoundation. Join in keeping Ann’s legacy alive by 

supporting the Ann Rehan 

Goebel Foundation’s 

efforts to inspire 

those pursuing 

l i f e - c h a n g i n g 

careers in STEM. 

Ann caring for her patient. 


specializing in newspaper and magazine publications.

U N I T E D 

SOCCER 

our why 

Siouxland United is grounded in a shared passion for 

soccer and a commitment to uniting our community 

through the beautiful game. We believe in providing 

a platform for aspiring players to pursue their dreams, 

fostering a sense of pride and identity within our 

community, and creating lasting memories on and off 

the field. Our why is to inspire, engage, and connect, 

using soccer as a catalyst for positive change and shared 

experiences. Whether you’re a player, fan, or part of our 

broader community, our ‘why’ is to bring people together 

through the joy of soccer and build a legacy that extends 

beyond the pitch. 

corporate 

Partnership 

The team at Siouxland United F.C. recognizes the importance 

of forging meaningful corporate partnerships to sustain and 

elevate our semi-pro soccer club. We are actively seeking 

visionary businesses and organizations to join us on this 

exciting journey. Through strategic collaborations, we aim 

to offset operational costs, enhance player experiences, and 

contribute to the growth of soccer in our community. Corporate 

partners with Siouxland United have the unique opportunity 

to align their brand with a dynamic and community-focused 

initiative, gaining exposure to a diverse audience while actively 

supporting the development of local talent and the vibrancy 

of our soccer culture. Join us in creating a lasting impact and 

fostering the spirit of unity through the beautiful game. 

Ownership 

Mike J. Wells - President 

Mike is a driven entrepreneur and soccer enthusiast hailing from 

Sioux City, Iowa. After graduating with honors in Marketing and 

Psychology from the University of Nebraska, he honed his skills 

in sales, marketing, and product development over 16 years. 

Currently at the helm of Reside Properties LLC, a construction and 

property management venture, Mike’s dedication extends to the 

field as an assistant coach for a U14 coed soccer club. With a 

strong family foundation and a passion for the sport, he eagerly 

embraces the potential of a new NPSL team, aiming to blend his 

business acumen and soccer fervor to foster success. 

Robbie Carroll - VP of Marketing 

Robbie “The Gaffa” Carroll, the VP of Marketing, brings a solid 

managerial background to Siouxland United F.C. Robbie was 

General Manager at Augusta United FC and was the head coach 

for several NPSL franchises and college soccer programs. His 

experience extends internationally, having served as the Director 

of Ready IF in Norway and as the GM/Head Coach at Fagersta 

Södra IK in Sweden. Robbie’s vast knowledge of the game and 

his successful track record in team management and development 

make him an invaluable asset to the club. 

Bob Giese - VP of Operations 

Bob Giese is a Small Business owner, entrepreneur, and investor in 

the Siouxland area. Before going into business for himself, Bob spent 

time in Corporate Management and Operations included supply chain, 

sales activities, and service and support. He has also spent many years 

in insurance and wealth management, residential and commercial 

real estate, as well as volunteering on several organizational boards 

throughout the Siouxland community. Bob has been a big supporter 

of soccer in the Siouxland community for many years and is proud to 

bring professional soccer to Sioux City. Bob is a lifelong resident of the 

Siouxland area, a graduate of Bishop Heelan 

High School, and obtained his Bachelor’s 

Degree from the University of Nebraska 

at Omaha. Bob and his wife, Laura, 

reside in the area and have 4 children. 

Jesse Castillo - General Manager 

Jesse Castillo brings a wealth of experience to Siouxland United 

F.C. as the Executive Director. Jesse has demonstrated exceptional 

leadership and organizational skills as the Director of Coaching 

at Diablos Football Club. He profoundly understands player 

development, club management, and fostering a positive soccer 

culture within the community. 

www.siouxlandunited.com | mike@siouxlandunited.com | robbie@siouxlandunited.com

Hot 

Air 

By Tony Michaels 

EXPAND | GIVE MORE / 47 

Is This Graded On A 

W 

e all have one. How we view that ONE is 

highly polarizing. It varies from person to 

person. It only happens once a year. This 

past year, I ultimately judged everyone in 

my inner circle by handing out letter grades. 

High or low marks as to how loved ones celebrated MY 

birthday. I know. Right now, you are judging me. I can hear 

your internal monologue. 

Is it petty for me to dole out letter grades like Mr. Hand in 

“Fast Times at Ridgemont High? “Yes, but it’s a hobby, like 

Dave Portnoy assessing number grades for cheese pizza and 

the occasional gas station breakfast delicacy. My evaluation 

may not mirror how you enjoy celebrating your big day. It’s 

100 percent subjective. I’d encourage you to scribble your 

own pyramid of wishes on a bar napkin. 

The highest marks go to receiving a surprise party. I once 

had a bash at Buffalo Alice and saw three hockey-line shifts of 

demographics from 5 p.m. to closing. A visit from someone 

bearing a gift or food and a cameo video from a celebrity 

also get A grades. Oh, and birthday cards in the mail. Playing 

the long game deserves top marks. 

Above-average B grades include a call or FaceTime video. 

Also, any of those Happy Birthday-type signs mimicking the 

Hollywood sign for all your neighbors to see. Extra credit 

for a “Honk for the Old Man” banner to make all the golden 

retrievers in the area howl like there was a parade of UPS 

drivers down your street. 

Social media greetings with the lame standard “Happy 

birthday, insert name here” are just plain average. C- If it’s 

the person’s avatar saying it, it makes it even less personal. 

Belated birthdays are elevated to a C+. Who in this society 

owns up to their mistakes? I’m impressed by that. Kudos to 

you procrastinators! D grades for those doing nothing. 

What could be worse than doing nothing? My friend used 

to tell me all the time never to be mean to someone who 

could be having their lowest day. Maybe they just bought 

a casket for a spouse, parent, or child that morning. I wish 

the world were kinder. I know that’s ironic to say after this 

article on passing judgment. When that Subaru on Hamilton 

Boulevard cuts you off in traffic, just remember, that motorist 

may be bummed about his loved one’s birthday. Giving a 

Grade Point Average would rule them out of playing sports 

in college. 

On the flip side, I am uber-impressed with my buddy Bruce. 

He always writes the best messages in text form, sings to you 

Curv e ? 

in person, and scribes on social media to thousands of residents 

in Siouxland. My mantra for 2024 is “Be more like Bruce.” Write 

the letter. Plan the party. Get the cameo video from Jennifer 

Jason Leigh. (Yup. That’s my second callback to a movie from 

1982.) These are fast times indeed, but you should try to savor 

every minute of a loved one’s day of birth. 

More celebration. Less angst in traffic. That’s logic even Jeff 

Spicoli could endorse. 

For those under 25, please replace all the old movie references 

above with quotes from TV show dramas “All American” or 

“Outer Banks.” I won’t judge. 

I will only judge your celebration of my birthday. 

Tony “Michaels” Michalski is an author of “Tacos and Beer 

Atmosphere” and former radio broadcaster. He is also the cohost 

of the podcast, Starting Conversations with Stacie and Tony, 

and is the new Account Executive for Siouxland Magazine.

Expand Magazine - Volume 6 Issue 1

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