Feature Stories, Wellington Education

Higher Education For All

Higher Education For All
PBSC’s Ava Parker On Educating The Workforce Of Tomorrow

By Joshua Manning

Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, the college has hit record enrollment levels and opened a fifth location, the fast-growing Loxahatchee Groves campus just across Southern Blvd. from Wellington.

“I am truly honored to serve as the fifth president of the college,” Parker said. “I chose Palm Beach State because of the difference that it has historically made in the lives of our students, their families and our community. We are a partnership institution and a critical part of the economic infrastructure.”

A Wellington resident, Parker holds a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. She came to PBSC nine years ago from Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, where she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“PBSC has the distinction of being the state’s first public community college, a legacy that underscores our commitment to providing an accessible, affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to careers right here in Palm Beach County,” Parker said.

She is proud of the sense of community she sees in how the school’s faculty and staff work together to support more than 36,000 students.

“Our focus on innovation, coupled with our wide range of programs and resources, empowers students to achieve their career and life goals and make a meaningful impact in the communities of Palm Beach County,” Parker explained.

Looking for a centrally located home with easy access to PBSC’s five campuses — Boca Raton, Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens — Parker quickly settled on Wellington as her home base.

“I was looking for a family environment with good schools and friendly people and a place that was central to our college campuses,” Parker recalled, adding that people she spoke to often mentioned Wellington. “My husband Joe Gibbons and I were sold after our first visit. We rented here first just to be sure, and we eventually bought our home here in Wellington. It has been a great choice for us. My son Parker and daughter Bailey have enjoyed participating in recreational sports.”

Wellington also provides her family with a rich variety of family-oriented activities.

“The Wellington area is horse country, and one of the things I enjoy most is attending polo matches at the National Polo Center,” Parker said. “I also enjoy the parks and participating in holiday activities with my family. The Wellington Environmental Preserve offers a beautiful respite with its nature trails and scenes of wildlife, and the Mall at Wellington Green is always a go-to destination for shopping.”

A key focus of Parker’s tenure has been the opening and growth of the Loxahatchee Groves campus, designed to serve the central western part of Palm Beach County.

“The rapid growth of this area is reflected in the numbers of students enrolling on our Loxahatchee Groves campus,” Parker said. “We first opened the campus in 2017 with some 700 students. This year, more than 6,000 enrolled on this campus alone, making Loxahatchee Groves the fastest growing of PBSC’s five campuses.”

A key reason for that success is the strong relationships that the college has built with the local community.

“We work directly with the four major high schools in the area: Wellington, Palm Beach Central, Royal Palm Beach and Seminole Ridge,” Parker said. “Beginning this fall, we will have advisors from PBSC embedded in all these high schools who help serve students and increase enrollment. We’re also meeting students much earlier in their academic careers, introducing students as young as sixth grade to the college experience through our dual-enrollment programs.”

PBSC also works closely with major employers in the area.

“We have partnerships with businesses such as Wellington Regional Medical Center, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital and Gast Construction Group, as well as with major employers such as Florida Power and Light,” Parker added. “Many of these partners hold educational events for our students and provide internships, as well as paid jobs.”

Parker and her team also make it a point to be active in the community.

“We regularly meet with the mayors of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Westlake and Loxahatchee Groves, as well as their council members and chambers of commerce,” she said. “We also have a 230-seat lecture hall at our Loxahatchee Groves campus, which has become a popular venue for hosting community educational programs, events and meetings.”

The college has made health science a primary focus in Loxahatchee Groves.

“In 2020, we established the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation, enabling PBSC to expand our training programs in high-demand healthcare fields,” Parker said. “Our bachelor of science in nursing program is housed at the Loxahatchee Groves campus, and by fall 2025, we will also offer programs such as surgical technology, physical therapy and dental hygiene. We also offer computing and cybersecurity, and business and accounting programs at our Loxahatchee Groves campus.”

Currently under construction there is the $50 million, 83,500-square-foot Dental & Medical Services Technology Building. “It will feature a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite, and science labs that incorporate cutting-edge equipment and technology for students pursuing careers as dental hygienists, dental assistants, surgical technologists and other healthcare occupations,” Parker said. “This new facility will offer virtual reality learning technology and a highly advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection system for anatomy and physiology education.”

The building is set to be completed by February 2025, and classes will begin in the fall of 2025. The new building will benefit the local community as well by providing low-cost preventative dental care, Parker added.

Other initiatives include the creation of the Construction Trades Center for Workforce Innovation on the Lake Worth campus, which expands skilled trades programming with $5 million in federal funding plus $1 million from the Lowe’s Foundation. Both the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses have been tapped to expand training for first responders, and the Palm Beach Gardens campus will be key to a partnership with TMRW Sports. In cooperation with the PGA Tour, TMRW has selected PBSC as the exclusive home for TGL, its new professional indoor golf league that fuses advanced technology with live action for TV audiences.

“We see our mission as educating the future workforce of Palm Beach County,” Parker said. “Thanks to the strong partnerships we have with all the constituents in our community from local schools and the school district to industry, we are ensuring that our curriculum is relevant to the needs of our county. Our students power the engine of Palm Beach County’s economic growth in sectors ranging from healthcare to information technology to construction and engineering.”

Learn more about Palm Beach State College at www.palmbeachstate.edu.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Education

Public Schools Arrive In Wellington

Public Schools Arrive In Wellington
Wellington Elementary School Opened In 1980 As A Collection Of Portable Classrooms Under The Leadership Of The Legendary Buz Spooner

By Joshua Manning

Children in the fledgling community of Wellington were first bused east to attend school. However, after years of petitions, the School District of Palm Beach County opened Wellington Elementary School in 1980, led by the iconic Buz Spooner, the school’s founding principal.

Marketed as the perfect community for families, Wellington’s early days lacked one crucial element — schools.

Young kids were bused to Melaleuca Elementary School on Gun Club Road, while older kids made the long hike east to Forest Hill High School.

But all that began to change in 1980, when the School District of Palm Beach County opened Wellington’s first elementary school after years of petitions from area residents.

The school district owned a site at the corner of Big Blue Trace and Paddock Drive, but no building. So, when Wellington Elementary School opened in 1980, it consisted of 16 portables, with no kitchen and no cafeteria. The first PTA meeting was held at the old Wellington Country Club.

“The portables worked well, unless it was raining,” recalled the late Buz Spooner, the school’s founding principal, during a 2001 interview.

When it opened, the school had children from grades three, four and five, as well as one class for grade six. Kindergarten and grades one and two were first held at Greenacres Elementary School. Spooner had been the principal there before being assigned to become Wellington Elementary’s first principal.

“On my first visit to the school, I got lost,” Spooner recalled. “I was looking for a school, but I found a big sandy pasture.”

Spooner took over as principal during the 1979-80 school year. “It was a challenge,” he recalled. “There were a lot of glitches you wouldn’t expect. Each day, we had to look under the steps, because small animals nested there. We had raccoons and armadillos, but thankfully, nobody ever got bitten.”

During the 1982-83 school year, the students and staff of the fledgling school began moving into a permanent facility built at the site. “The kids got to attend the groundbreaking ceremony,” Spooner noted.

Spooner remained the principal of Wellington Elementary School until 1999, when he retired. He had been a part of the school system in Palm Beach County for 43 years, starting as a teacher at Greenacres Elementary School. But his fondest memories were of his two decades of service in Wellington. “I was able to help more children as a principal,” Spooner said. “By hiring the teachers, you can shape the kind of school you want to have.”

Spooner grew Wellington Elementary School from that cluster of portables to a full-fledged school that once taught up to 1,500 students per year as the school district raced to keep up with the area’s explosive growth.

Outside Wellington, Spooner was best known for his many years as president of the Palm Beach County Safety Patrol. It was in that role that he touched the lives of fifth graders countywide, working tirelessly to organize a massive movement of students from Palm Beach County to Washington, D.C., each year.

Spooner passed away in 2019, but he is still fondly remembered by many in Wellington.

Elaine Cittadino was Spooner’s executive assistant from the time the school opened for 16 years, before she moved to the after-school program. She recalled how Spooner often said he never wanted to do anything but work with elementary school students. “Right from the very beginning, Mr. Spooner created his school. He interviewed and hand selected everyone at that school,” she said.

Cittadino also recalled how he was very supportive of his teachers and used to say, “I always hired people who were smarter than me and let them do their jobs.” She added that one of his favorite sayings was, “They may forget what you taught them, but they will never forget how you treated them.”

Cathy West, who has been a teacher at the school since 1982 and currently serves as the media specialist, agreed that he was a “teachers first” principal. “Each year, he would meet with the grade level teachers and make sure they were all on the same page,” he said. “He always had an open-door policy.”

Sue Bierer was a fifth-grade teacher at the school from 1985 until her retirement in 2012.

“Any time a teacher or a class had a special program, he was always really supportive of that,” said Bierer, who is excited that her granddaughter will be attending Wellington Elementary School as a kindergartener.

Cittadino has vivid memories of the school’s early years.

“We had 13 portables with grades three through five. Sixth grade also came in for a year,” she recalled about the school’s opening year. “We really spawned all the other schools in Wellington and beyond. H.L. Johnson started on our campus. There was lots of wildlife out there — foxes, snakes, armadillos. We were always very conscious of the environment and had many school cleanups.”

West recalled her first year working in a portable classroom that was also the school’s library, the speech teacher’s office and teacher’s lounge. There was a black indigo snake that lived under the portable. “Every so often, you would hear a scream because it startled someone,” she said.

Bierer added that the original campus often got waterlogged. “We would have to trudge through the water to get to where we were going,” she said.

Nevertheless, the fond memories outweigh the problems of the early years. “I remember all the fun we had,” Bierer said.

The three teachers are proud of how Wellington Elementary has matured through the years into the school it is today.

“We have a wonderful administration right now that tries to keep up with the traditions of the school,” West said, adding that the current administration building is dedicated to Spooner.

Cittadino is proud of the strong fine arts program at the school, and Bierer likes the new buildings on the campus, which she said are “very conducive to learning.” Bierer also loves the enthusiasm of the young teachers on the current campus.

Wellington would not get its next school until 1987, when Wellington Landings Middle School opened. Wellington High School and New Horizons Elementary School both opened in 1990, finally allowing all Wellington students to stay in the community for their entire public-school experience.

Since then, Wellington has been joined by another high school, two more middle schools and four more elementary schools — Panther Run Elementary School (1991), Binks Forest Elementary School (1999), Polo Park Middle School (2000), Palm Beach Central High School (2003), Equestrian Trails Elementary School (2003), Elbridge Gale Elementary School (2006) and Emerald Cove Middle School (2007).

 

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

Enjoy Your Breakfast And Lunch At Skillets

Enjoy Your Breakfast And Lunch At Skillets

Get a wide variety of delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch items at Skillets, which opened last month in Wellington’s Courtyard Shops. Try out the fast-growing chain’s signature skillets, or one of the many other tasty menu items.

Rise and shine Wellington… an iconic breakfast experience is now being served! Skillets has officially opened its 16th location in Florida, right in the heart of Wellington in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace.

This is Skillets Restaurants’ third location on the east coast of Florida, joining its Boca Raton and Delray Beach restaurants. This brand-new location features Skillets’ signature homemade and nutritious breakfast and lunch items. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant seats 195 guests and has 25 dedicated employees.

“As we expand in Palm Beach County, the Wellington area is an ideal fit,” Skillets CEO Joe DiGangi said. “This equestrian and family-centric area has many early risers looking for a quality breakfast experience. Wellington will fall in love with our great breakfast and lunch food choices and seasonal menu. Skillets Restaurants become a gathering space where flavors come alive, and memories are made. We look forward to serving our guests with passion and dedication. We want to thank Wellington for graciously welcoming Skillets into the community.”

In 1995, Ross and Noreen Edlund started their first Skillets in Naples. Now, they have five locations in Naples alone and have expanded across Florida. Their mission from the beginning has been to prepare homemade, delicious and nutritious breakfasts and lunches from scratch with top-notch, friendly and efficient service in inviting and comfortable surroundings.

“We have had great success on the west coast, with Skillets being a common household name, and we could not be more excited about the early success of our restaurants in Boca and Delray,” Skillets founder Ross Edlund said. “Wellington is a great addition to our Palm Beach expansion. We hope to become a staple in the Wellington community and look forward to feeding generations of families there.”

Skillets’ truly unique offerings make it stand out from the rest when it comes to breakfast. It is naturally most famous for its homemade, extensive choice of skillets, offering a variety of ingredients and sides crafted for the ultimate flavor experience. Guests will also find breakfast classics elevated by thoughtful sourcing and best-in-class cooking techniques on the menu, including international favorites like crepes and Skillets’ famous scones. Skillets even offers gluten-free waffles, pancakes and other health-forward options that align with Blue Zones criteria for a better and longer life.

Leading off the menu are the restaurant’s signature skillets, in several variations, layered with Skillets Potatoes oven-baked to a golden brown, topped with two eggs and a choice of toast, scone or biscuit. Also popular are the pancakes, available in buttermilk, stone-ground whole-grain or gluten-free, or the tasty potato pancakes, made from scratch and always light, lacy and crispy brown.

There are also a number of vegetarian options, such as Noreen’s Breakfast with steamed spinach, grilled tomato slices, topped with sliced avocado and chopped chives, served with a poached egg, toast and fruit. Other popular choices are the omelets, frittatas, eggs benedict, French toast, waffles, crepes and blintzes. Lunch offerings include an array of sandwiches, paninis, wraps and salads.

Skillets Wellington has created a charity partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Wellington. “This organization is not only beloved in the community but known for its outstanding work with children, and we are so excited to be able to support their club in Wellington, the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club,” Skillets founder Noreen Edlund said.

The club was the beneficiary of Skillets’ grand opening held Tuesday, July 9, which also kicked off their Kids Eat Free program, available at all Skillets locations every Tuesday. Skillets Restaurants also supports the Child Advocacy Agency at all locations year-round.

Since 1995, Skillets has provided guests with delicious food and friendly service in a clean, inviting, pine-accented environment. Envisioned by Ross and Noreen Edlund, the goal was to create a restaurant that offered the local community higher quality comfort food and personal service than diners and restaurant chains. Using only premium ingredients, Skillets serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 16 locations in Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Bradenton, South Sarasota, Venice, Bonita Springs, Lely, Wellington, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Port Charlotte.

Skillets of Wellington is located in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace. For more information, call (561) 660-8304 or visit www.skilletsrestaurants.com.

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Feature Stories

Horsing Around

HORSING AROUND 
A Galloping Success Benefiting The Equestrian Aid Foundation

By Shannon Anastasio

The Jennifer Balcos Gallery in Palm Beach recently played host to a magnificent event — “Horsing Around,” a showcase of equestrian-inspired artwork that left attendees spellbound. The gallery served as the perfect backdrop for a gathering that was not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a heartfelt fundraiser for the Wellington-based Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF).

During the opening night of Horsing Around on May 9, guests were treated to a visual feast as they roamed through the gallery, marveling at the stunning pieces on display.

From paintings capturing the adrenaline-fueled excitement of show jumping to serene depictions of the bond between horse and rider, every work of art was a testament to the beauty and grace of these majestic creatures.

Among the standout pieces was a mesmerizing portrayal by Kyle Lucks Fine Art featuring show jumper Nayel Nassar in action. The dynamic energy and harmony between horse and rider were palpable, leaving viewers in awe of the skillful artistry. Weatherly Stroh’s works also left a lasting impression, capturing the tranquil essence and natural elegance of horses with remarkable precision.

Beyond the visual delights, the event also served as a fundraiser for the EAF. By attending Horsing Around, guests not only fed their love for art and equestrianism but also contributed to a worthy cause, supporting individuals within the equestrian community in their times of need.

Adding to the ambiance were the mint juleps and Polo Girl Cabaret, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and conviviality. With 17 talented artists showcasing their work, including several local Palm Beachers, Horsing Around provided a platform for creativity to flourish while fostering a sense of community spirit.

The event’s success goes beyond the accolades of artistic achievement. It exemplifies the power of collaboration and generosity, bringing together art enthusiasts, equestrians and philanthropists alike in support of a wonderful cause. This legacy of inspiration and compassion will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who attended.

The EAF provides emergency financial grants to members of the equestrian community throughout the United States who are struggling to overcome catastrophic illness, injury or another unforeseen crisis.

For more information about the Equestrian Aid Foundation, or how you can become involved in helping, visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.

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Feature Stories

Flavors of Wellington A Success

Flavors of Wellington A Success 
Annual Chamber Event Celebrates Wellington Culinary Excellence

By Shannon Anastasio

The robust restaurant community in Wellington recently hosted the highly anticipated Flavors of Wellington event, presented Thursday, May 23 by the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce. This culinary extravaganza brought together local restaurants, cafés, bistros, country clubs and caterers to celebrate the best in food and drink.

This year’s 21st annual event was a resounding success and recognized several establishments for their exceptional contributions to the local culinary scene. The winners, who dazzled attendees with their culinary prowess, included Dos Amigos Tacos Wellington for Best Taste, Kickback Neighborhood Tavern for Best Cocktail, Candid Coffee/Anna Bakes for Best Dessert and Franco Italian Bistro for Best Stop.

Dos Amigos Tacos Wellington claimed the coveted Best Taste award, enchanting taste buds with authentic Mexican flavors. Known for innovative and delicious tacos, Dos Amigos has established itself as a must-try in the Wellington food scene. This victory is a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes, which create an unforgettable dining experience.

Kickback Neighborhood Tavern took home the Best Cocktail award, impressing judges and attendees alike with a creative and expertly crafted beverage choice. Kickback’s cocktails, known for unique blends and vibrant flavors, have made the tavern a popular spot for locals seeking a refreshing and enjoyable drink. This award highlights Kickback’s dedication to mixology and the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Candid Coffee/Anna Bakes won the Best Dessert category, delighting “sweet tooths” with their delectable treats. The desserts available, ranging from rich pastries to intricate cakes, showcase skill in baking and a passion for creating sweet masterpieces. This recognition underscores Candid Coffee/Anna Bakes as a beloved dessert destination in Wellington.

Franco Italian Bistro earned the Best Stop award, being recognized for its overall excellence in food, service and ambiance. This bistro, which offers a blend of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, has long been a favorite dining spot for many in Wellington. The award celebrates Franco’s ability to provide an exceptional dining experience that keeps customers coming back.

Events such as these would not happen without many sponsors and exhibitors. This year, Flavors of Wellington was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and a host of exhibitors who showcased their culinary delights and services. Presenting sponsors included FPL, K&E Travel and Celebrity Cruises. The host venue was Wellington National Golf Club. The event featured luxury buses sponsored by local businesses, ensuring that attendees could travel to and from the host venue with ease and comfort.

Other featured exhibitors included Mole Cantina Mexicana, the Polo Club at NPC, Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine, Stonewood Grill & Tavern Wellington, Village Music and Café Wellington, Scout & Cellar Wines, the Poké Company Wellington, the Fresh Pita Club, Keke’s Breakfast Café Wellington, Starbucks at the Mall at Wellington Green, Pura Vida Wellington and Maxwell’s Plum.

Now that you’ve had time to digest all of the scrumptious dishes, get a glimpse into the future as the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce has already set sights on the next installment, promising an even more spectacular experience in 2025.

Stay tuned for updates and get set to mark your calendars for next year’s event. For additional information, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Health

A Teamwork Approach To Patient Care

A Teamwork Approach To Patient Care
The Wellington Orthopedic Institute Provides Expert Treatment For A Wide Range Of Conditions

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

If you have an orthopedic issue involving your neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles or feet, you don’t have to travel far to find medical help. For more than 20 years, the Wellington Orthopedic Institute has been ready to provide patients with professional care, advice, guidance and surgical assistance, if necessary.

Located on the campus of Wellington Regional Medical Center, the Wellington Orthopedic Institute team is led by Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, known as Dr. Mike. For more than 12 years, he has been assisted by certified physician assistant Leah Saporito. They are a dynamic duo of orthopedic care and surgical procedures.

Dr. Mike’s roots in Wellington go all the way back to the 1980s, back when the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and State Road 7 had a flashing red light.

With each patient who enters the Wellington Orthopedic Institute office, the ability to efficiently communicate is the key to a successful experience.

“If you speak with the patient, ask questions and listen, they will often tell you what the real problem is,” said Dr. Mike, whose practice deals with patients who range in age from adolescent teenagers to those more than 100 years old. “We are now treating three generations of people within the same family.”

“On occasion, a patient presents having back pain, but it is often traced to the hips,” Saporito added.

A major strength of the practice is its teamwork approach.

“I have a dedicated team here,” Dr. Mike said. “My office manager has been with me for 23 years, my X-ray technician has been with me for 13 or 14 years, and Leah has been working here for 12 years or so.”

Strong customer service is another strength of the Wellington Orthopedic Institute. “We are a boutique orthopedic group. Every patient has different needs,” Saporito said. “We make sure that every phone call to the office gets answered by a person in the office.”

While the business hours for the Wellington Orthopedic Institute are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dr. Mike is available at any time if a patient really needs help.

“I’m available 24/7 for my patients,” he said. “If they need me, I’m available to help.”

While he is an experienced, proven and talented surgeon, surgery is always his last and least preferred course of action.

“We take great pride in a course of action where patients have control over their care,” Dr. Mike said. “We give each patient the best evaluation based on a physical exam and a conservative approach to their care. Surgery is the last option for most patients when exhaustive, conservative care fails.”

When Dr. Mike enters the operating room — either in the hospital or at his surgery center — he is usually assisted by Saporito. She is impressed by his attention to detail. “He’s very meticulous in every operation,” she said.

The atmosphere in the operating room, while sterile, is serious and upbeat.

“During surgery, I like to listen to music that patients usually select,” Dr. Mike noted. “The music is a background tranquilizer for the patient.”

Successful orthopedic practices, such as Wellington Orthopedic Institute, are often known for their stunning success stories. And the Wellington Orthopedic Institute is no exception.

“A few years ago, a man in his 90s was pushed into our office while in a wheelchair, and he was in very bad physical shape,” Saporito said. “He had a bad hip and didn’t think anything could be done. He was in desperate need of help, and he was high-risk, due to his age. Well, we performed hip surgery, and he recovered. Two years later, he walked into our office unassisted and asked that we operate on his other hip. And we did, with success.”

The Wellington Orthopedic Institute also has worked on many patients within the equestrian arena from around the world — riders, handlers, trainers and owners.

“About 12 years ago, U.S. Olympic jumper McClain Ward suffered a shattered knee,” Dr. Mike said. “I operated on him, fixed his knee, and he returned to competition within a few months. He competed in the Olympics a few months later, and he won a gold medal in the team competition.”

The Wellington Orthopedic Institute also works with athletes in many other sports to repair most extremity injuries.

In addition to providing care for human beings, Dr. Mike has a successful track record of operating on animals in the western communities, as a volunteer.

“I’m a voluntary consultant with Lion Country Safari,” he said. “I operated on Lissa, the white rhinoceros, about five or six times. She lived for another 10 years. She had a cancerous tumor on her horn, which was successfully treated.”

Dr. Mike is always reminding patients what they can do to stay healthy.

“We are always telling our patients to exercise regularly by riding a bike, going swimming, using an elliptical machine, doing yoga and/or going to a Pilates class,” he said. “Those forms of exercise are easier on the joints. Also, I’m always reminding my patients about making better footwear decisions.”

He understands the importance of his patients maintaining a high quality of life and is committed to making that a priority. “Joint mobility and balance are the keys to life,” Dr. Mike said.

In addition to providing words of wisdom to his patients, he practices what he preaches.

“I try to keep myself in good physical shape. I currently enjoy biking, swimming and playing golf,” Dr. Mike added. “I played competitive basketball and baseball until I was in my 50s.”

Another positive influence was his father.

“My dad was a master tool and die maker,” Dr. Mike said. “Having to deal with that kind of equipment and mechanical knowledge helped me with my orthopedic skills.”

Even though Dr. Mike admits that he’s now in the “autumn” of his life, he has no plans to slow down, as he enjoys helping residents of the western communities.

Through the years, Dr. Mike has been active in the local hospital and community growth. He has served on multiple hospital staff positions at Wellington Regional Medical Center during his tenure. From a present member of the orthopedic steering committee and active teaching staff, he has served as chief of surgery and past chief of staff.

“I feel voluntary positions helped grow the hospital, community and medical staff,” Dr. Mike said.

The Wellington Orthopedic Institute is located at 10115 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 102, on the campus of Wellington Regional Medical Center. For more information, call (561) 670-2010 or visit www.orthowellington.com.

 

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Wellington Health

Improving Surgical Outcomes For Patients

Improving Surgical Outcomes For Patients
Latest Technology Leads To Faster Recovery Times At Advanced Surgical Physicians

Story By Jaime Joshi Elder  |  Photos by Caleb Harris / Khanna House Studios

In 200 A.D., the Mayan civilization was in its infancy, the global population reached 257 million (less than the current population of the United States) and Leonidas of Alexandria started advocating for incision and cautery for breast cancer treatment — a process that became the standard of surgical care for the next 15 centuries.

However, over the past two decades, advances in surgical technology have accelerated at a dizzying pace. Surgeons have evolved from using scalpels to laser scalpels to operating the console of the da Vinci robot, a minimally invasive system that mirrors a surgeon’s hand movements while also delivering high-resolution, magnified images of what is being operated on.

Dr. Andrew J. Shapiro, medical director of Advanced Surgical Physicians in Wellington and the Comprehensive Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center, is a passionate advocate for minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery and advancements in breast cancer research. In 2023, he completed his 1,000th surgery with the da Vinci system and advocates strongly for the technology.

“I first started working with the da Vinci system in 2012,” Shapiro said. “As an advocate of ensuring the best possible outcomes for my patients, I saw that this technology had the potential to not only improve surgical outcomes, but also facilitate quicker recovery times and reduced hospital stays.”

This mentality is at the heart of his practice, Advanced Surgical Physicians. In addition to utilizing the da Vinci system, Shapiro and his partner, Dr. Kyle Eldredge, also employ traditional open surgery and laparoscopic techniques to treat the full range of general surgery conditions, including but not limited to breast cancer and benign breast diseases, gallbladder disorders, anorectal and colon conditions, as well as the treatment of pilonidal disease, melanoma and other skin cancers.

“Minimally invasive robotic surgery is used for so many different procedures, ranging from general surgery like we do at Advanced Surgical Physicians to gynecologic surgery like hysterectomies and urology procedures like prostatectomies and nephrectomies,” Shapiro said. “The procedure only uses small incisions, so it’s less traumatic on the patient’s body. This means less pain and blood loss. It means fewer complications and less scarring than with traditional surgery.”

This past April, Shapiro and Eldredge were each awarded accreditation as Surgeons of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation.

“This accolade reflects our practice’s continual effort to surpass the expected standards and lead in the development of safer, more effective surgical treatments,” Shapiro said.

As general surgery specialists, Shapiro and Eldredge both treat patients with a multitude of conditions, which can include: skin and soft tissue such as the breasts; surgical treatment of cancer; surgical treatment of traumatic injuries; care of critically ill patients who need surgery; the head and neck; the abdomen and its contents, such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, duodenum, the tail of the pancreas and the transverse colon; the endocrine system (hormones and glands); and the digestive tract.

They are also involved with their patients from the initial evaluation to prepping for surgery, performing the procedure and post-operative management.

“There is no greater relationship in medicine than a surgeon and their patient,” Eldredge said. “What inspired me to become a general surgeon was the ability to take complete care of a patient from the very beginning. From initially diagnosing what is ailing them to completing surgery and alleviating them of their pain or illness to watching them recover and feel better.”

Eldredge started his medical journey as an emergency medical technician and saw first-hand the difference that efficient and calculated care makes in the health and well-being of a patient. While in medical school at Emory University in Atlanta, he was awarded a fellowship in Robotic Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery and continues to serve Palm Beach County’s western communities with excellence in this field.

The strategic implementation of patient care in almost every area of the body is also what inspired Shapiro to pursue a general surgery specialty, as it echoed the training he received in the military.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Shapiro completed his residency in general surgery at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Ft. Gordon, Georgia, and went on to serve as chief of the Department of Surgery at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital in Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and was awarded a Combat Medic badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

“The ability to serve my country was my honor, but the ability to provide medical care to our brave men and women fighting for our freedom? That was my distinct privilege,” he said. “My career as a military surgeon prepared me for almost every surgical contingency, and I appreciate all the support we’ve received here in Wellington as a military family. It has a deep sense of community and is a great place to support and feel supported.”

Shapiro’s service didn’t end upon his honorable discharge from the army, and he continues to support his community today through philanthropic means.

In addition to hosting a 5K race to benefit the local nonprofit organization Clinics Can Help, which collects and redistributes durable medical equipment and supplies to families in need, Shapiro also works as a trainer with New Horizons Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization that partners trained dogs with the disabled, mostly in the area of wheelchair and mobility assistance.

“Andrew loves dogs and understands the positive impact a dog can have on someone’s life,” said Ilene Shapiro, Dr. Shapiro’s wife and office manager at Advanced Surgical Physicians. “Wrangler, our golden retriever from New Horizons Service Dogs, works with our patients at the office as an emotional support dog. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a lifechanging event, and patients and their families experience so much anxiety during this time. Wrangler works as an emotional support animal at the practice and helps bring about a sense of peace and calm. Both staff and patients at the practice love him.”

On top of all of this, and spending time with his family, Shapiro makes the time to serve as a voluntary assistant professor of surgery at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

“I was raised believing in the importance of service and community stewardship,” Shapiro said. “Both my wife and I believe that we are better when we work together in service to others. We try to reinforce these values both with our children and in our medical practice. We have traveled all over the country and are proud to call Palm Beach County home, and we are committed to providing the highest standards of care, bringing our patients options for the best health outcomes.”

To learn more about Advanced Surgical Physicians, visit www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians.

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Wellington Health

A Focus On Patient Care

A Focus On Patient Care 
The Advanced Breast Center At Wellington Regional Medical Center Honored By National Program

The Advanced Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center was recently recognized as a Certified Participant in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC) Program. This distinguished honor represents a commitment by the breast center to provide the highest level of quality breast health care to patients.

Pam Tahan, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center, expressed her pride in the achievement.

“This certification is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” Tahan said. “We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care, and this recognition reinforces our efforts and the positive impact we are making in our community.”

Measuring and comparing quality performance is essential in assessing patient care and allocating resources where improvement is desired. In today’s dynamic healthcare industry, breast centers are faced with providing quality care while simultaneously keeping costs under control. A center’s staff must not only be familiar with existing standards of care, but they must also be aware of new advances in technology. The Advanced Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center has taken a major step to ensure the program provides the best possible quality care to patients.

“Being recognized as a Certified Participant in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program is a significant accomplishment,” said Dr. Andrew Shapiro, medical director of the Advanced Breast Center. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in breast health care and our dedication to adopting the latest advancements in medical technology and treatment protocols.”

As an accredited breast cancer program, Wellington Regional Medical Center has been recognized nationally as a leader in breast imaging and the treatment of breast cancer. As an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, WRMC has demonstrated excellence in mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI of the breast, as well as stereotactic, ultrasound and MRI-guided breast biopsies.

Dr. Sandra Mondro, a radiologist at the Advanced Breast Center, highlighted the importance of continuous improvement.

“This certification underscores our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding the national standards in breast health care,” Mondro said. “Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives personalized, state-of-the-art care tailored to their specific needs.”

Launched in April 2005 and now used in 45 states, the NQMBC program offers facilities providing breast health care the ability to track and measure breast center performance in more than 40 individual quality indicators. The program has been validated by multiple peer-reviewed medical journal publications. The most compelling component of the program is the ability of participants to enter their data and immediately compare their performance with other participating breast centers across the country.

The National Consortium of Breast Centers is proud to recognize the Advanced Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center as a Certified Participant. The facility will continue in its commitment to provide the highest quality care to its patients and work on keeping up a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence.

The National Consortium of Breast Centers promotes excellence in breast health care for the general public through a network of diverse professionals dedicated to the active exchange of ideas and resources. It serves as an informational resource and provides support services to those rendering care to people with breast diseases through educational programs, newsletters, a national directory and patient forums. Learn more at www.nqmbc.org.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed, acute care hospital providing high-quality healthcare services to the residents of central Palm Beach County since 1986. As a community hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission, WRMC prides itself on its continued commitment to remain on the forefront of advanced technologies and expand programs and services to meet the needs of the growing community it serves.

Learn more about the Advanced Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center at www.wellingtonregional.com.

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Feature Stories

Serving The Wider Community

Serving The Wider Community
South Florida Fair Installs New Chair And Eight New Board Members, Including Wellington’s Pam Rada

By Shannon Anastasio

The South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions Inc. recently announced Becky Isiminger as the new chair of its board of directors and also added eight new members to its board. They were installed at the fair’s annual meeting on Thursday, April 25.

Among the new board members is Wellington’s Pam Rada, who hopes that she can use her expertise to support the wider community.

“With my background and experience, I plan to leverage my skills by joining the South Florida Fair’s marketing committee and providing feedback on their already robust marketing program,” Rada said. “My goal is to help create compelling narratives that highlight the fair’s unique offerings and engage the community in meaningful ways. By doing so, I aim to enhance the fair’s outreach and ensure it continues to captivate and connect with a diverse audience.”

Rada’s career spans more than 15 years of marketing, public relations and sales experience. She currently oversees the marketing, advertising and community outreach for Wellington Regional Medical Center. Prior to healthcare, Rada served as a marketing director in the shopping center industry.

“I am particularly excited to collaborate with the South Florida Fair’s marketing team to learn about and enhance their digital strategies for reaching a larger audience,” she explained. “Another initiative I am passionate about is contributing to special events and programs that celebrate the cultural diversity of South Florida. These projects will allow us to connect with a broader community and showcase the vibrant cultural community that defines our region.”

Rada believes that her work at Wellington Regional fits well with her volunteer work with the South Florida Fair.

“At Wellington Regional, we pride ourselves on providing care you can count on to all members of the community,” she said. “We’ve extended this commitment to the South Florida Fair by sponsoring hand-washing stations and emergency services, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees. My experience in community outreach will help me foster strong connections and ensure that our engagement efforts at the fair reflect the same dedication to inclusivity and support.”

Rada hopes to help expand the reach of the South Florida Fair beyond its traditional communities of support.

“One of the biggest opportunities for growth lies in expanding our reach into Broward County through digital transformation. By leveraging new technologies and digital marketing strategies, we can effectively attract the Broward audience,” she said regarding the fair. “Additionally, enhancing our sustainability practices presents a significant chance to make the fair more eco-friendly and appealing to environmentally conscious attendees. I aim to contribute by bringing innovative ideas and best practices from my marketing background, fostering community partnerships, and driving initiatives that promote growth, inclusivity and sustainability.”

On the fair’s board, Isiminger replaces outgoing chair Robert Weisman. As the new chair, Isiminger is responsible for leading the 106-member volunteer board of directors and working closely with the executive staff of the fair to ensure the continued success of the nonprofit organization.

For the past 20 years, Isiminger has served as the corporate secretary/treasurer for Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering, overseeing the financial department. She has been a director at the fair since 2005 and a trustee since 2012. Beyond the fair, she currently serves on the Quantum House Board of Directors, is a past president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches and is an elder at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach.

Aside from Rada, other new board members are Shawna Ahmad, Yinett Florentino, Ilan Kaufer, Charity Lewis, Chris McAllister, Frank Sardinha III and Brannan Thomas.

Ahmad has been a Florida educator for 29 years. Currently, she teaches and learns with academically progressive high school students and colleagues at Seminole Ridge High School. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and kindness.

Florentino is a small business owner, providing consultancy services in the administrative realm. With a background in business, nonprofit organizations, marketing and accounting, she is passionate about helping and supporting business leaders lead with purpose in both the profit and nonprofit sectors. Her interests include leadership, business development and innovation.

Kaufer serves as the external affairs manager for Florida Power & Light Company. In that role, he manages external relations for portions of Palm Beach County and all of Okeechobee County. He has worked for FPL since 2009 and has served the company in various roles.

Lewis works as the civic engagement supervisor for the City of West Palm Beach. With many years of experience in fulfilling multifaceted roles in customer and public service, in both the public and private sector, she possesses a unique blend of communications, marketing and public relations expertise.

McAllister is a registered nurse with more than a decade of experience in the emergency department, currently serving as a team manager at VITAS Healthcare. Beyond his professional commitments, he is deeply involved in community service, dedicating 13 years as a volunteer at the South Florida Fair.

Sardinha is a practicing attorney in Palm Beach Gardens at Loren & Kean Law. A proud Palm Beach County native, he has been attending the South Florida Fair since elementary school. Since 2005, he has volunteered for the Florida American Legion Boys State, serving as its executive director for several years, and on its board of directors since 2018.

Thomas is the director of community relations for U.S. Sugar. In this role, he manages the company’s community support and engagement initiatives, serving the Glades and coastal communities where the U.S. Sugar people live and work. He is responsible for overseeing U.S. Sugar’s generous community outreach efforts.

The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions Inc., a nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes. The 2025 South Florida Fair will be held Jan. 17 through Feb. 2. The fair staff also present many additional events throughout the year.

For additional information about the fair, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

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Feature Stories

Wellington Seeks Input On Budget Priorities

Wellington Seeks Input On Budget Priorities The Village Uses Online Tools And Public Workshops To Gather Feedback From Residents

The Village of Wellington puts a major focus on getting input from the public on their budget priorities. Outreach is ongoing this month as the village draws up its spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Wellington has always worked to engage its residents and businesses in its annual budget process. From budget surveys to traditional in-person workshops, we have continually worked to gather as much input into our budget development as possible. In 2023, we launched additional simulation tools, such as “Balancing Act,” in an effort to expand outreach. The simulation ties the village’s budget to its strategic priorities — the big-picture goals of the community. Connecting spending levels to these goals provides yet another layer of contextual information to budget engagement opportunities for residents.

“Our simulation is currently organized by strategic objectives,” said Christine Wadleigh, the village’s budget director. “The services our programs offer village-wide are all categorized into ‘service objectives.’ Using strategic objectives adds another layer to understanding how a department serves the community and the delicate reality of allocating funding.”

The village’s efforts to align its budget to its strategic objectives demonstrate how we strive to implement new ways of thinking about the budgeting process and use technological advances to build caring and resilient communities, continue transparency and reverse declining trust in government.

The goals of Wellington’s budget public engagement initiative are to build trust in government decisions; get information on public priorities; gain familiarity with budget allocation areas and aid understanding of budget tradeoffs; and align public expectations with what a government can realistically accomplish.

In order to enhance engagement in the budget process, the interactive tool Balancing Act features a simulation of the budget. In this tool, respondents interact with the proposed General Fund budget by revenue type and expenditure area, and the respondent may increase or decrease spending. Increases in spending indicate priorities, and any additions have to be offset elsewhere in the budget to balance. Open comment fields are included to gather freeform feedback to distribute to the Wellington Village Council and senior staff.

Historically, local governments have relied on a budget process that favors addressing short-term priorities over long-range planning. For more than two decades, Wellington has moved away from incremental processes into a more integrated approach. This is a result of the council’s responsible recognition of budget challenges on the horizon: the village’s revenue growth wasn’t keeping pace with its expenses. Decisions regarding projects, programs and services involve determining cost cuts or revenue increases, and we wanted residents to understand the reality of our budget challenge.

It was also apparent that the traditional method of community outreach around the budget wasn’t cutting it. The village was spending immense staff time engaging small crowds of repeat attendees. We needed better, more diverse feedback from more residents to make informed decisions.

Since then, our budget engagement has become an almost year-round activity, with different emphases at different points in the budget process. Early in the fiscal year, we launch a simulation with a preliminary budget and use the simulation tools to have our departmental staff prioritize their budget preparation process. This first cut is based on gauging broad priorities and determining how to resolve tough potential tradeoffs. Additional rounds accompany the proposed budget so the public and elected officials can both see the rationale for initial decisions and provide high-level input.

In addition to asking residents to weigh in on how to best balance the budget, we have also used the budget tool Taxpayer Receipt that shows residents how much of their total tax bill goes toward different areas of village operations like debt service or recreation.

These simulation tools help us create more constructive, informative conversations about the budget and engage citizens in a process that is often lacking in transparency.

The primary benefit we see as a village with Balancing Act is direct feedback from our residents. The simulations take a dense and dull subject and make it more engaging, understandable and exciting. We also can begin to explain the connections to revenues and expenditures and the relationships of a balanced budget. It also enables resident input to be captured independently, where residents can work on the simulation on their own, and allows for interaction in group settings, which we do with community groups. We are currently changing when we engage our residents with simulation. We are getting residents involved in the process sooner, and we hope to see a continued growth in engagement and participation.

Online public engagement evolved from a nice-to-have to need-to-have feature of government as resident schedules became busier, precluding them from participating in traditional community meetings. The interactive tools we use also give residents a quick and simple way to provide input on capital project prioritization, given that we also have more projects than available funding.

It is safe to say our residents are getting accustomed to simulation tools as part of the annual budgeting process. We continue to see increasing participation numbers. We will continue to look at ways to increase participation in our in-person and online opportunities. Our residents love to provide input, and our online engagement efforts are becoming an annual part of capturing their voices.

Wellington’s budget public engagement tools will launch this month and continue through mid-August. The simulation results will be presented in the budget adoption hearings in September.

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