Don’t Go It Alone:  Joana Donovan On The Secret Of Getting Hired In Today’s Market

By Fiona Slusarev

It’s said that it takes a village to raise a child, but how many people does it take to get one person hired? In a time where online job boards seem to have never-ending position listings, each seemingly already inundated with hundreds of applications, it is easy to feel lost when looking for work.

Wellington’s own Joana Donovan, CEO and founder of Propel Résumé and Career Services, breathes humanity back into the hiring process. From recent college graduates to those making a career pivot in later life, Donovan shows her clients how to tell their own story through résumés, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

Growing up in New York as the daughter of immigrants from Brazil and Tunisia, Donovan’s life-long passion for learning was ignited as she learned English watching Sesame Street with her family. She credits her upbringing for making her “resilient and scrappy,” both necessary traits for her careers in real estate and finance.

Returning to school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 2022 from the University of Central Florida. In that same year, Propel was launched. From her previous gift basket business based in Wellington, Donovan knew the community would embrace Propel with open arms. She believes the small-town feel of Wellington to be integral to the success of her business.

“I think that Wellington has deep roots, and people value those deep roots,” Donovan said. “And that’s the foundation of how they bring in newcomers, like myself. They continue to grow that foundation.”

Donovan believes that Wellington’s community connection is unique; it is not something she experienced living in New York or New Jersey.

“There is a protective barrier around the town that enriches other people who live [here],” she explained. “They give back to people who live in town. They’re super supportive. No matter who you meet — whether you’re part of an organization or you’re not, I think it’s like a small-town feel, even though we are growing.”

It is this sense of interconnectedness that translates into Donovan’s mission at Propel. She is a strong advocate for networking whenever possible. Simple, everyday conversations might introduce you to a new opportunity you had never thought of.

“Sometimes those discussions, the conversations that you have with people, lead to opportunities, and that networking piece, to me, is the most valuable,” Donovan explained.

While artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to sort résumés, and large numbers of candidates vie for a single position, human interaction stands out. Donovan noted that, “You have to speak to people. You can’t just submit and hope that it sticks. You have to go the extra mile.”

Also, there must be something about you individually that makes you a unique asset. That is, you must have a personal brand. Creating this narrative for employers can be daunting. Donovan is able to meet each client where they are. She shows them how to create their own professional story.

“If you don’t know who you are, and you don’t know what your brand is, neither will the reader,” she said.

At Propel, Donovan shows her clients how to see themselves in a new light. Seemingly mundane tasks are reframed as evidence for personal brands. She reflects on an administration worker’s self-described day: “I came in. I answered the phone. I left.” Donovan works to help the client parse through what they actually do. “They never take a step back and look down at themselves to identify what do they actually bring to the table,” she said.

Organic conversation between Donovan and her clients forms the backbone of Propel. She is invested in discovering what makes each individual tick and what motivates them to get out of bed in the morning. For her, simply rewriting a résumé isn’t enough; she is telling her client’s story.

However, clients have to put in the work. They need to critically engage with the moving pieces of their identity and professional history. Donovan is here to show them how, and to prompt them to reimagine who they are. “They help me, help them, find their brand and their voice,” she explained.

It is this connection to her clients that uniquely positions Donovan as a professional storyteller and advocate. She is able to market job applicants in a more holistic way. They are not just a summary of skills; they are a complete person. Her clients aren’t trying to match their applications word for word to the job description.

“They talk about themselves and are different,” she said. “They give the person who is ultimately going to read the document a better sense of who they are on a team.”

Often, Donovan finds that clients are searching more for a proponent and partner, than pure résumé guidance. With experience across multiple careers, she understands the emotions and challenges that job hunters face.

“They’re looking for that camaraderie, that advocacy, that partnership, that someone is on their side. And that is what makes me different from the next person,” she said.

Donovan provides a refuge in an otherwise isolating process. Everything is intentional in the application process, but she is happy to remind people that “no road is a straight line.” A specific role or responsibility at a job may lead you to a niche that you never knew existed, but nonetheless, suits you perfectly. No time is wasted. Experience becomes evidence for a client’s personal brand.

This ability to appreciate each nuance and become an advocate for her clients is integral to Donovan’s method. It is also what she finds most rewarding.

“I think, having that connection with people, is really the joy,” she said. “It’s not even the writing anymore, it’s really the joy of being able to tell someone’s story and be a support person.”

The interpersonal approach to the hiring process harkens back to the warm reception Donovan received when moving to and starting a career in Wellington. The importance of connection echoes throughout her work, and she intends to further strengthen the community by creating a local educational seminar on writing, coaching and LinkedIn this upcoming January.

For more information about Propel Résumé and Career Services, call (561) 291-8832 or visit www.propelresume.com.

 

Meet The Family Behind Wellington’s Popular Italian Dining Spot Agliolio

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Frank Koester

Not all Italian restaurants are created equal. In fact, some are truly a cut above the rest, such as Agliolio, a family-run group of restaurants with two locations in Wellington and one in Boynton Beach.

Billed as “a fresh take on Italian,” Agliolio’s original location is in the Wellington Plaza, with others on State Road 7 near Trader Joe’s and on North Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach. This Italian eatery aims to make every guest’s experience an outstanding one, which is why customers continue to return on a regular basis.

The husband-and-wife team of Jeff and Donna Duelfer started Agliolio in October 2009. Sadly, Donna passed away in 2022, but Jeff — whose professional background included more than 30 years in the restaurant industry prior to opening Agliolio — remains involved as the CEO. Daily operations are in the capable hands of daughter Stefani Eberhart, who serves as the company’s president, and her husband Nick, who serves as CFO.

Agliolio remains a true family restaurant because of the influence of the late Donna Duelfer, known as “Momma Donna.” She was once quoted as saying, “We want people to enter as guests and leave as friends.” That philosophy remains in place.

“My mom loved to cook and entertain. To this day, we are using my mom’s recipes, and our restaurants are her legacy,” said Stefani, who has worked at the restaurant since the day it opened.

Stefani was the restaurant’s first server and first bartender. At first, she had a day job running a pre-school in Royal Palm Beach and would show up at the restaurant at night. Now, she’s primarily focused on the three restaurants, her three children, her husband and the sizable staff that keeps everything operating efficiently.

“Each employee at Agliolio is truly like a member of our family,” Stefani said.

She knows that the reputation of the three restaurants is on the line with every salad, appetizer, side dish, entrée, drink or dessert that is served, as it was when her parents were in charge.

“We maintain a strict focus on each guest, every visit,” Stefani said. “We try to embody my mom’s presence in the restaurant. She mingled with the guests and got to know them. And we train our team to do the same.”

Clearly, Momma Donna’s presence is still felt at Agliolio, which continues to thrive in South Florida’s challenging and highly competitive restaurant business. It took time and effort to get to where the restaurant is today.

“In the early days, we pounded the pavement through nearby communities, introducing ourselves and handing out takeout menus, inviting guests to visit,” Stefani recalled. “We rose early on Saturdays and Sundays to set up booths at local green markets, then cleaned up and rushed back to the restaurant, hoping to see familiar faces for dinner. Somehow, it worked.”

Today, the Agliolio family takes pride in being an active contributor to the communities they serve, acting as a business partner to many local schools and donating thousands of dollars of food and gift cards to schools and community organizations each year.

The restaurant’s name — Agliolio — is a blend of the Italian words “aglio,” which means garlic, and “olio,” which means oil. Stefani noted that nearly everything on the menu at Agliolio, with the exception of desserts, is made with garlic and olive oil.

Since it first opened in 2009, Agliolio has successfully catered to the wants, needs, desires and appetites of the customers who have walked in the door in search of a classic, tasty, affordable and memorable Italian dining experience.

Keeping with the times, Agliolio offers guests convenient options of dine-in, take-out and delivery. They also have a busy catering division, so if you want a memorable Italian meal for your special event, Agliolio can make it happen. And if you want to buy an Agliolio dining experience for a friend, then gift card purchases are also available.

At Agliolio, the staff, from the employees preparing the food in the kitchen to the servers interacting with guests, truly work together as a team to create a memorable dining experience for every customer.

“We train our employees from the back door to the front door,” Stefani said. “Our team understands that the dishwasher is one of the most important positions in the restaurant.”

One of the most frequently used adjectives on the menu is “fresh.” At Agliolio, the mozzarella is fresh; the vegetables are fresh and locally grown, when possible; the calamari, Scottish salmon and Littleneck clams are freshly caught; the beef and Dutch veal are fresh; the garlic bread is fresh; the chicken is fresh, all-natural, and antibiotic- and hormone-free; and it’s all prepared using California-grown, fresh, non-GMO heirloom garlic and first cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

And as for the pasta, it doesn’t arrive in a box. “We make fresh pasta every day,” Stefani said.

It’s made by hand using 100 percent semolina, and sautéed to order with scratch-made sauces. At Agliolio, there are 10 types of pasta to choose from: angel hair, spaghetti, penne, cheese ravioli, linguini, fettuccini, fusilli, spinach linguini, whole wheat fusilli and conchiglie.

For those who want a gluten-free alternative, there’s chickpea pasta, fresh potato gnocchi and a vegetable medley. The highly customizable menu also caters to individuals who are vegans, vegetarians and gluten sensitive.

Meanwhile, there are 20 hand-crafted sauces that you can choose to accompany your pasta, such as marinara, pomodoro, pesto and Agliolio. Two of the newer ones are creamy scampi and creamy fra diavolo.

As you would expect, the thin-crust pizza is second-to-none. There are three types of 10-inch pizzas — original, caprese and white. And to make each pizza personal and special, you can top it off with any combination of 14 toppings.

To accompany your meal, the wine list is hand-selected, the cocktails are hand-crafted with premium liquors, and even the complimentary water service is special, as it’s pure, crisp, chilled and has been filtered five times.

To end your meal, Agliolio offers a selection of award-winning, hand-crafted desserts, which includes zeppole, cannoli chips, chocolate lasagna and tiramisu. Enjoy them with one of eight Lavazza coffee and after-dinner drinks.

Overall, you can probably visit the restaurant every day for a month and not have the same meal twice. When they talk about having endless “pasta-bilities,” they mean it! The menu at Agliolio has depth and diversity, and everything is delicious and delectable.

In keeping with being a true family restaurant, Stefani and Nick try to maintain a family tradition of dinner every Sunday night at the original Wellington Plaza restaurant location with their three children — Bella (13), Blake (9) and Bria (7).

After all, Agliolio’s reputation was built on family dinners, with Momma Donna’s vision of entertaining patrons as though they were guests in her own home. And when you dine at Agliolio, you’ll feel Momma Donna’s presence in their consistent focus on “each guest, every visit.”

Agliolio is open for lunch and dinner every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The restaurant opens daily at 11:30 a.m. and closes around 10 p.m.

The Agliolio locations in Wellington are at 12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza (561-798-7770), and at 2803 South State Road 7 (561-619-5544). To learn more, visit www.agliolio.com.

Meet Little Blue: Wellington’s New AI-Powered Web Assistant

Wellington honors the past while embracing the future with Little Blue, a cute and cheerful otter powered by artificial intelligence. Using AI, Little Blue helps residents interact with the village through a single click on Wellington’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Before Wellington was officially incorporated in 1995, the Acme Improvement District oversaw the area, and at the heart of its public outreach stood a cheerful, water-saving otter named Little Blue. With the catchy slogan, “You otter save water,” this beloved mascot reminded residents of the importance of conservation and community.

Now, 30 years later, Little Blue is making a high-tech comeback. This time, not as a furry mascot, but as the name of Wellington’s newest digital team member: an AI-powered assistant designed to make it easier than ever to connect with village services.

Little Blue is now live on our official web site, www.wellingtonfl.gov, offering around-the-clock support to anyone looking for information, services or assistance. Whether it’s finding your nearest park, reporting a pothole or contacting a village department, Little Blue is ready to help — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Developed in partnership with Citibot and powered by artificial intelligence, Little Blue delivers real-time responses using verified content from our web site. Online visitors will find Little Blue’s chat icon at the bottom-right corner of every page. With a single click, users can begin interacting with this smart virtual assistant.

Key features of Little Blue include:

• Direct navigation to specific Wellington web pages based on user questions.
• Guidance for submitting service requests.
• Multilingual support in more than 70 languages.
• Seamless escalation to the appropriate village departments for more complex concerns.

You can also communicate with Little Blue by texting HELLO to (888) 609-9355, making it a convenient and flexible tool for community interaction.

This new tool reflects our commitment to transparency, innovation and improving the resident experience. By streamlining access to information and services, Little Blue enhances how we serve our community in the digital age, while also honoring a charming and meaningful part of our local history.

Wellington has always been a place where tradition meets progress. Little Blue is a perfect example of how the Village of Wellington continues to evolve, using smart technology to better connect with the residents, businesses and visitors who make our village such a special place to call home.

I encourage you to visit our web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov and try out Little Blue for yourself. As we approach our 30th anniversary of incorporation, we’re excited about this next chapter in our journey — and we’re just getting started.

 

PBC Teacher Of The Year Kimberly Stalker Committed To Classroom Excellence

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

Kimberly Stalker, a teacher at Polo Park Middle School in Wellington, was recognized recently for her outstanding teaching prowess and expertise. Out of the more than 13,000 public school teachers in Palm Beach County, she was named as the county’s Teacher of the Year.

Her recognition took place Jan. 30 at the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County’s new Center for Public School Excellence and Innovation, at the “Celebrate the Great” awards ceremony sponsored by United Healthcare. She was also honored at the Wellington Village Council meeting on Feb. 11.

Even though many months have passed since being honored as Teacher of the Year, Stalker remains thrilled, honored and humbled by this recognition.

“When they announced my name, it was an unreal feeling,” Stalker recalled. “For me, it was a Grammy moment. I was overwhelmed. Like all teachers, we take dignity and pride in our work.”

Stalker remains eternally grateful for the recognition, as she realizes that she is one of thousands of great teachers in Palm Beach County. It’s an honor that she doesn’t take for granted.

“It’s truly humbling to be representing the more than 13,000 teachers here in Palm Beach County,” Stalker said. “There are lots of amazing teachers in Palm Beach County who go above and beyond the call of duty every day in their classrooms.”

Even though Stalker was recognized for what she has done in her role as a sixth-grade pre-engineering teacher at Polo Park, she is well aware that the key to her past success has been her commitment to getting better as a teacher.

“When I get better, the students get better,” said Stalker, 35. “It’s a great honor to show up every day and give my very best in the classroom.”

Because of the recognition she has received as a Teacher of the Year, Stalker has used that platform to positively influence the professional lives of other teachers.

“I’m now doing speaking engagements where I get to meet, interact and inspire other teachers,” Stalker explained.

According to Stalker, the job of being a teacher continues to evolve, and it’s important to utilize new resources to get better.

“Learning and teaching are changing,” Stalker said. “And having access to such tools as AI [artificial intelligence] can help us.”

Before coming to Polo Park, Stalker taught for seven years in the Orlando area. During her first two years at Polo Park, she taught eighth-grade science, before moving to her current role teaching sixth-grade engineering.

One key to Stalker’s success is realizing that no two days are the same in her profession.

“Every day is a different day, and I have a different day with every student,” Stalker said. “As the students walk into the classroom, I must read their body language of the day.”

She stressed that every student is different, and it’s important that we recognize that every student comes from a different background.

“I am passionate about student engagement,” Stalker said. “As long as they know that I’m in their corner, and they realize that my classroom is a safe space, they will do well.”

For Stalker, it’s incredibly satisfying to see students achieve their goals in the classroom and to understand what is being taught.

“When you see students learn and are proud of their achievement, it’s a ‘wow’ moment,” Stalker said.

One of the keys to Stalker’s success in the classroom has been the support from her principal, Dr. Jennifer Galindo.

“She’s amazing,” Stalker said. “She is there for all the teachers at Polo Park. She lets us do our best as teachers — and then we shine in the classroom, and our students learn.”

Galindo has similar words of praise for Stalker.

“She is amazing and a ray of sunshine in our school,” Galindo said. “She is passionate about teaching and loves what she does. She is a dynamic teacher who teaches all the design processes and critical thinking in her sixth-grade engineering class. If I could clone her, I would. Every school deserves to have a Ms. Stalker on its staff.”

One of the great aspects of all this attention on Stalker is that she is home-grown talent. She is a Palm Beach County girl who attended public schools within the School District of Palm Beach County. She attended North Palm Beach Elementary School, Independence Middle School and Jupiter High School. She graduated from JHS in 2008.

From there, she headed to the University of Florida, where she earned her undergraduate degree in nutritional science and human nutrition in 2012, and her master’s degree in secondary science education in 2014.

In addition to teaching students in Palm Beach County, Stalker maintains a collegiate education connection.

“I’m an advisor for the Sigma Kappa sorority at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, which has allowed me to further inspire women in the STEM profession,” Stalker said.

Looking forward to the 2025-26 school year, Stalker remains focused on her own professional development. She realizes that she must continue to learn new ideas in order for her students to thrive in her classroom.

When the statewide winners were announced July 17, Stalker was not named as Florida’s Teacher of the Year. That honor went to Mark Harrison of Union County. However, Stalker did win the Educator Legacy Award. This award is presented to a teacher who instills a passion for learning in their students.

In mid-July, Stalker attended the five-day Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable in Orlando. She was joined by other teachers of the year from counties across the State of Florida.

“It was exciting to be with other great teachers for professional development and to get new ideas,” Stalker said. “Every year, it’s a new reset. As teachers, we must evolve, learn and grow.”

Following the conference in Orlando, Stalker emerged excited and ready for the next school year, which gets underway for students on Monday, Aug. 11.

 

Milestone Anniversary For McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary

By Denis Eirikis

Now recognized as one of the area’s most popular attractions, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating its 35th anniversary this summer.

From humble beginnings on a 1.25-acre lot, the wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit has grown into the top-rated attraction in Palm Beach County for the past 13 years on Trip Advisor. Along the way, the Acreage-based sanctuary has rescued more than 10,000 native animals and hundreds of exotic creatures ranging from big cats to venomous snakes.

Founder Mark McCarthy likes to tell the story of how, at only 16 years old, he volunteered with the Detroit Zoo and went on a successful snake-collecting adventure in Arizona. He kept a few rattlesnakes for his own collection, which his mother refused entry to the house.

Undeterred, McCarthy bagged his rattlesnakes and hitchhiked for three days from Michigan to South Florida, to seek a job at the Miami Serpentarium, then one of the largest snake exhibitions in the world. He was at first turned down, until director Bill Haast saw the writhing burlap bag of rattlesnakes, learned McCarthy’s snake-loving story, and hired him on the spot.

McCarthy has been in the wildlife business ever since, starting McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary on July 1, 1990. Reservations are required to visit the eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of the western communities.

Visitors from all over the world are attracted by the more than 150 animals, including white tigers, African lions, black leopards, ligers, lynx and Amur leopards, all seen from just feet away. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas and a cuddly kinkajou.

Visitors Jackie Toponce and her mom, Keri, loved their visit. Jackie, who wants to be a wildlife veterinarian, came to Florida from Salt Lake City specifically to visit the sanctuary.

“The two places in Florida I wanted to see were Disney World and McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary,” she said. “Neither disappointed, and I love how up close and personal we can get with big cats here. I also loved handling the snake and the tarantula.”

Her mother added, “Jackie loves animals, so we plan trips to major wildlife sanctuaries. McCarthy’s is one of our favorites, and Trip Advisor says it’s in the top 10 percent of attractions globally.”

Kelly Reaves and granddaughter Reagan agree, having traveled from Washington D.C. Five-year-old Reagan especially enjoyed handling the kinkajou but passed up opportunities to handle live snakes. But Allie Rafkin and Parker Zaffarese, visiting from New Jersey, took every opportunity to handle creatures, such a 60-pound albino Burmese python.

Reservations are required, and adult visitors pay $50 while children pay $40 for a comprehensive tour that takes about two hours.

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife rescue facility that takes in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies and unwanted exotic pets. Donations and admission fees help with the tremendous expense of caring for the animals.

When asked for the most important thing he has learned doing wildlife rescue for 35 years, McCarthy replied, “You can dream all you want, but to make it happen, you have to put in the blood, sweat and tears.”

So, McCarthy put in the hard work and long hours, including one time when the phone rang in the middle of the night.

“I got a call at 2 a.m. from Lt. Rick Brown of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission,” McCarthy recalled. “He is the officer in charge of the Orlando district. He told me that he had just seized a tiger and a cougar from a Motel 6 in Orlando, and he had no place to house them. He asked if I would come and pick them up. I immediately drove up there, and sure enough there was a tiger and a cougar. The owner was not licensed and was illegally exhibiting before he was arrested. So, I named the tiger Slammer and the cougar Repo, because the owner got thrown in the slammer and his cats got repossessed.”

He also recalled the times when his father used to worry about whether McCarthy could make his living as a snake handler and wildlife rescuer. “My proudest moment in this 35-year journey was when my dad asked to be buried in a McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary shirt,” he said.

McCarthy invites interested animal lovers to make a reservation for a visit. Don’t want to get up close with the animals? Well, you can still make a donation.

“Donations are how we get by, and it takes thousands of dollars to keep the facility running and giving the utmost, top care for our animals,” McCarthy said. “We have received a $100,000 challenge grant. Every dollar you donate is matched up to $100,000, and that challenge ends Sept. 30.”

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 12943 61st Street North. For more information, call (561) 790-2116 or visit www.mccarthyswildlife.com.

Cohesive Movement Center Offers Unique Aerial Fitness Concept

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Frank Koester

The newly opened Cohesive Movement Center brings a unique aerial fitness concept to the western communities.

Owners Rosie Wandell and Jill Atkinson are committed to building a connected fitness community in the area. Both women, who have been friends for years, have the necessary professional credentials and passion to accomplish this task. Both are certified nutrition coaches, physical trainers, and trained strength and conditioning coaches. They are also experienced ballerinas and know what they are talking about in the world of health, fitness, physical activity and nutrition.

Both agree that the keys to good health are what you eat, what you drink, how often you physically move and what you do in the area of physical activity. To help local residents become more fit, Wandell and Atkinson recently opened the Cohesive Movement Center (CMC) at the southeast corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. in the plaza with Home Depot.

This new 2,200-square-foot fitness facility officially opened its doors on July 1 and is open seven days a week. Wandell and Atkinson are driven by their mission statement: “To create a safe, empowering space for movement artists, athletes and newcomers to train, connect and evolve. At CMC, we aim to blur the lines between art and fitness, providing tools for self-expression, strength and personal growth.”

Wandell said that it’s a joy to transform the CMC concept from an idea into reality.

“In a nutshell, Cohesive Movement Center is South Florida’s home for aerial, movement and community,” she explained. “At CMC, we’re more than just a studio. We’re a movement hub where confidence, creativity and community come together. Whether you’re stepping into your first aerial class, or you’re a seasoned aerialist looking to expand your training, we provide a space where all levels are welcome, and everybody is celebrated.”

With rates of physical inactivity reaching pandemic proportions in the U.S., the emergence of this new fitness opportunity is timely and important. While the main target audience is the female fitness enthusiast, people of all ages are welcome.

“We cater to clients as young as six years old, and we have no age limit cap,” Atkinson said. “If you are healthy to move, we are happy to help you.”

While the western communities currently have a number of fitness outlets for people to go for a workout or participate in an exercise class, Wandell and Atkinson noted that CMC fills a unique void.

“Nobody does what we do,” Atkinson said. “We are not your typical gym experience.”

According to Atkinson, the purpose of its many fitness classes is to help people get fitter, stronger and healthier. As a result, people will have a better quality of life.

“If you want to strengthen your core, expand your mobility, reduce the chances of getting injured, and improve your dynamic balance and stability, then we can help,” Wandell said. “We also provide assistance with breathing techniques.”

The types of classes at CMC include Sky Aerial Yoga, Aerial Pole, Flow Lab, Liquid Motion, Sunrise Yoga, Aerial Hoop (Lyra), Aerial Slings & Silks, Stick Mobility Lab, Pelvic Peace, Science of Flexibility and more.

When it comes to improving balance and stability, the Cohesive Movement Center can play a positive role for a wide range of athletes of all ages.

“We can really help dancers, equestrians, cheerleaders and gymnasts, as well as team sports participants who play football, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, ice hockey and basketball,” Atkinson said.

The facility’s location is particularly convenient for the local equestrian community.

“One of our goals is provide assistance to equestrian riders, as we can improve their posture, core strength and stability, which will enhance their overall competitive and training experience,” Wandell explained.

As an incentive to join CMC, new potential members are given one free group class a week, which is extended for a limited time.

To help spread the word about what is offered at the Cohesive Movement Center, Atkinson and Wandell host a weekly podcast called “Join the Movement,” which is accessible on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and posted on their web site at www.cohesivemovementcenter.com/podcast.

According to Wandell, classes get going early every day at CMC, with a full-body circuit training class beginning at 6:30 a.m. Participation in classes at the facility range from six to 20 people.

The Cohesive Movement Center is located at 9880 Southern Blvd. To learn more about what this new business has to offer, call (561) 331-2181, e-mail info@cohesivemovementcenter.com or visit www.cohesivemovementcenter.com.

Big Win For Wellington Rider Emily Dehoff And Manou De Muze At Upperville

Wellington resident Emily Dehoff and Manou de Muze galloped to the win in the $30,000 Salamander Collection Upperville American Standard Grand Prix on Saturday, June 7, besting 45 fellow competitors at the 172nd Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by Mars Equestrian.

By virtue of her fault-free jump-off round and a blazing time of 34.1 seconds, Dehoff and her 13-year-old grey Belgian Warmblood mare finished atop the podium, while Mark Bluman finished second aboard Starlet (34.77 seconds) and Devin Ryan rode Mondorado to third place (36.55 seconds).

“Manou de Muze has helped me succeed in all of the big wins I’ve had in my career,” Dehoff said. “Any Grand Prix win is a highlight, but it’s special to keep achieving so much with her, and having the chance to do it at Upperville is exceptional.”

After a fault-free trip in the first round, Dehoff opted to take a stride out in the first line of the jump off and stay as tight as possible to the combination and succeeded. After a careful ride to the tall, airy gate jump, she chose to do seven strides to the imposing black oxer, and then another seven strides to the last fence to secure the win.

For her win in the American Standard Grand Prix, Dehoff was the first rider to be awarded the William Haggin Perry trophy, donated to the show by Nicole H. Perry.

“It’s amazing to win any trophy at all,” she said. “I love the classical feel of Upperville, so to win a trophy here and being the first to win it is super special.”

The $30,000 Upperville American Standard Grand Prix was part of a full week of FEI and national-level jumper competition at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the oldest horse show in the United States, now in its 172nd year.

Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor Mars Equestrian, Ethel M. Chocolates, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano, the Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance and Delta Air Lines.

Held in northern Virginia, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under a spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm — the same location as in 1853. UCHS is a charitable organization that raises funds for the Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities.

For complete results and livestream access, visit www.upperville.com.

The Enduring Legacy Of The Santamaria Family

By Shannon Anastasio

Ever since the formative years of the western communities, the contributions of the Santamaria family in the areas of business development, public service and community engagement have been extraordinary.

Over the course of his career, family patriarch Jess R. Santamaria has played an instrumental role in shaping Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and the wider western communities, from building thousands of homes to advocating for openness in government. His enduring legacy reflects a deep commitment to community, ethical leadership and his dedication to improving the lives of those around him.

As he continues to be honored for his five decades of local leadership, Santamaria’s influence on the area will remain profound for generations to come. Throughout his life, Santamaria has used the guiding principles passed down to him by his parents.

“My father was a judge who always believed in equal justice for all, rich or poor,” he explained. “My mother was a deeply spiritual woman who sacrificed her entire life for her children, teaching us to love God and our neighbors. Their positive influence helped to make me the man I am today.”

Santamaria’s local journey began when he and his wife, Victoria, moved to Florida from Philadelphia in 1974. Armed with an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in chemical engineering, Santamaria transitioned from his earlier corporate career at IBM to real estate development. Alongside his wife, he began a building career that led to more than 3,000 new homes in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage, focusing on providing high-quality, budget-friendly housing to local families.

The Santamarias expanded their portfolio to include shopping centers, such as the original Wellington Mall, as well as the area’s first hotel, the Royal Inn. Santamaria also built the first shopping center in Royal Palm Beach, the Royal Plaza, as well as other shopping areas.

However, Santamaria’s true impact is seen in his civic and philanthropic work. His leadership extended far beyond business ventures, as he dedicated countless hours to improving the community. Santamaria played a pivotal role in the founding of Palms West Hospital and chaired its board of trustees from 1986 to 1993. His ongoing involvement with Wellington Regional Medical Center as a member of its board of governors starting in 2002 further underscores his commitment to local healthcare.

Santamaria is also a staunch advocate for education. He co-founded organizations such as My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Scholarship Foundation, which has provided crucial support to local students. This initiative reflects his belief in the power of education to change lives and a desire to create opportunities for young people in the community.

“I founded MBSK because I wanted to reward kids not just for academic achievement, but for having the core values of honesty, generosity, kindness and a sincere desire to help others,” Santamaria said. “We need to inspire our youth to be good people and care for their fellow man. Our children are our most valuable assets, and our future depends on them.”

He also co-founded My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust in order to assist needy families in Palm Beach County, and especially in the Glades. Over the past 20 years, Santamaria and the charitable trust, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, have helped almost 2,000 disadvantaged Glades-area families purchase necessities like food and clothing during the Christmas season. “Our mission statement is that ‘the strong and the fortunate have a social obligation to protect and assist the weak and less fortunate amongst us until they are able to help themselves,’” Santamaria explained.

Santamaria’s public service career culminated in his eight-year tenure representing all of the western communities and the Glades on the Palm Beach County Commission. His time as a commissioner was marked by his tireless efforts to ensure openness, honesty and ethical governance.

During his years with the county, Santamaria is most proud of fighting for, demanding and expecting more honesty in government.

“Palm Beach County had been labeled ‘Corruption County’ when I began my first term as county commissioner,” he recalled. “I was the strongest advocate for the ethics commission and the creation of the Office of the Inspector General to fight against government abuse and waste, and I was the prime witness testifying before the grand jury on the subject. As a private citizen, I was involved in seven lawsuits against governmental abuse of power, winning all seven. I’ve also always fought for protection of the environment and against overdevelopment.”

Santamaria’s influence extended to numerous other civic efforts, including his involvement with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, which he chaired in 2000. He was also a founding member of the Crestwood Performing Arts League and co-founded the Citizens for Open Government.

His key focus in the community has been to lobby for sustainable and responsible growth, seeking to make the western communities very different from where he spent his younger years.

“I grew up in Manila, Philippines, one of the largest cities in the world; and I also lived in Philadelphia, another huge city with crime and congestion problems,” Santamaria recalled. “I moved to Royal Palm Beach because it’s where I envisioned raising my family — a peaceful, family-oriented, small town. Growth is inevitable, but it’s important that it be thoughtfully planned, so that we don’t lose the quality of life that made it the place where we wanted to live when we came here.”

His legacy of service also includes his commitment to protecting Palm Beach County’s unique character. Santamaria was a vocal advocate against the potential “Browardization” of the county, speaking out against efforts to merge with Miami-Dade and Broward counties for regional planning. He believed that such moves could compromise the county’s environmental protection and ability to control growth.

As a public servant, Santamaria’s approach has always been guided by a sense of integrity and a desire to make the community a better place for all. He has been honored with awards numerous times from a wide variety of organizations. He has also received resolutions from the villages of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach in recognition of his lasting contributions to the region.

At the heart of Santamaria’s life is his family. Jess and his wife Victoria have raised a close-knit family, including their son, Chris Santamaria, and daughter, Michelle Santamaria, who are both attorneys and work with Jess and Victoria in managing family-owned properties. Their son Vincent, married to wife Lisa, works in the Orlando area as a systems analyst for one of the area hospital chains. The family legacy continues through their three beloved grandchildren, Elle, Max and Sophia. Santamaria’s love and support of his family remain a constant source of inspiration, fueling his passion for creating a better future for the generations to come.

At the core of Jess Santamaria’s work is his belief in the power of service and the importance of community. Whether through his business ventures, his role as a public servant or his philanthropic efforts, Santamaria has been a tireless advocate for the people of Palm Beach County.

“People in government must never forget that they are public servants,” he said. “You are elected to serve the people, not your own political aspirations. Honest government should be the foundation to every democracy; and honest government goes hand in hand with maintaining public trust. Roosevelt said that when there’s honest government and public trust, then prosperity, quality of life and peace are achievable. As a child, I was taught that ‘evil succeeds when good men do nothing,’ and ‘if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.’ I’ve followed those principles my entire life.”