Page 14 April 2015 By Christina Surrano JoAnne Owens’ first introduction to her intended college major of journalism was a class about writing obituaries. She shared her reaction to it with a laugh and recalled her response: “Oh, I don’t think this is for me.” She had taught Sunday school and had a wonderful mentor and teacher who gave her extra responsibilities and allowed her to gain the experience needed to make a confident commitment to choose teaching as a career. After 20 years of teaching in public schools in her native state, Wisconsin, Mrs. Owens and her husband moved to the Valley of the Sun and she followed her heart. They both received their educations in parochial schools and service was an important part of Mrs. Owens’ upbringing. It made sense for her to merge her teaching of academics with her faith and strong desire to give back to the community. That was eight years ago and she has taught first grade in a faith- based school ever since. What she finds most important in teaching at Christ Lutheran School (CLS) is the sharing of “the love of God and the joy of knowing Jesus as your savior,” while helping students progress through the year as confident readers, writers and mathematicians, all at their own individual level. She also gives her students appropriate guidance for strong communication skills. She recognizes the power and importance of this critical skill and the influence of the changing modes of socialization in the digital age. Melissa Eustice, an elementary school educator and mother of first-grade CLS student, Caitlin, nominated Mrs. Owens for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love award. Eustice was impressed by the academic influence that Owens has on her students as well as her positive impact on their social and emotional well-being. Eustice noted that Owens builds confidence through positive discipline and inspires students’ excitement about learning through well-designed, inspiring lessons – some of which engage the entire family. “Every weekend she sends home her personally created, themed book bags, full of fun literacy activities that students complete with their parents. Every month students work on a family project that is displayed in the classroom,” Eustice shared. Owens feels that learning is a joint venture between parent and child. She said that when parents take part in literacy activities with their children, then students are better able to understand that reading can be entertaining for them. “I think it’s important that families have that time to sit down and learn about their child, just as I do, working with the kids every day,” Owens said. Melissa Eustice added, “All teachers teach, but Mrs. Owens teaches to make a difference in a child’s life that will last forever.” Mrs. Owens taught for 20 years in Wisconsin public schools before moving to Arizona eight years ago and working in faith-based education. TEACHER OF THE MONTH Teachers chosen for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award receive an Arcadia News tote and T-shirt, a $125.00 gift certificate from Salon Sandoval, a gift certificate for dinner for two at The Henry and an invitation to an end of the year luncheon for the year’s winners at The Henry. To nominate your teacher fill out the form on page 18 or on arcadianews.com. One appointment. Expert doctors. Convenient services. 4350 E. Camelback Rd., Ste F100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.955.8700 • FPSAZ.com Because caring for your health has always been our passion, we’ve made the following services conveniently available in our office. • Excellent care for all ages • Same day appointments • On-site clinical laboratory and X-rays • Dermatology and Optometry services • Botox and Obagi skin care now available Celebrating 45 years of family care M-F 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. Mark A. Wyse, M.D. Kate Montgomery, FNP Allan Goldman, D.O. IMG_0897.JPG IMG_0900.JPG IMG_0898.JPG IMG_0901.JPG IMG_0899.JPG IMG_0902.JPG Lanterman Photo 602.577.1640 David Anderson, O.D. Optometrist David Francyk, D.O. T.E. McCauley, M.D. Tyler Southwell , M.D. Andrew Racette, D.O. Certified Dermatologist James Leap, PA-C Physician Assistant Alisha Archibeck, D.O. Jennifer Francyk, PA-C Victoria Rhodes, P.A. Walter Koppenbrink, M.D. Charles Levison, M.D. Nurturing the mind, heart and spirit of every student

Page 15 April 2015 By Amanda Goossen Three years ago when the King and Liles families decided to start a business, they had no idea it would result in an Arcadia- based real estate development company. Austin King and Chris Liles both grew up in Phoenix. Their relationship was somewhat inherited when they met about 10 years ago. Their wives have been best friends since middle school. “When we decided to start this company, our wives made it very clear that we are friends first,” said Austin. “We know businesses come and go and hopefully this one won’t. But if it does, our friendships are more important than some homes and work.” Austin and Chris first started working together three years ago, when flipping homes became popular. Chris had a background in contracting and Austin in real estate. “I wasn’t personally fulfilled as a realtor, I knew it wasn’t my passion,” said Austin. The need for creativity and the desire to enjoy their professions brought the men together. After six months of discussions at numerous family gatherings, Austin and Chris decided flipping homes was one way to combine their abilities and find fulfillment in their work. Buying and flipping homes in Mesa and Glendale were successful endeavors, but the market was changing and the men knew they needed to create a plan and to establish proper branding. Focusing on the neighborhood where they both lived with their growing families, the men decided to create an Arcadia-area business. “When I was growing up in Northern Phoenix,” said Chris, “I remember going to my friends’ homes in Arcadia and going home and telling my parents that it reminded me of Leave It to Beaver.” Old-fashioned ideals, families spending time together in the yard, post-war 1950s ranch homes, and maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood were all things that came together in their business plan. Being part of the neighborhood means opportunities to give back. For example, at recent Rafterhouse Open House events there have been shoe donations and food drives. When the company recently purchased a home, it was found that the previous owner was a hoarder. Rafterhouse decided to pay a group of Young Life teenagers trying to earn money for camp to clean out the home instead of hiring day laborers. The King family, Austin (34), Oliver (2), Hazel (1), Suzanne (32), Lily (4), and Liles family, Fallon (32), Easton (1), Asher (5), Canon (3), Chris (32), Branson (7), make up Rafterhouse. COMING SOON: Next on the horizon for the young families behind Rafterhouse is an HGTV pilot. The men and their families are preparing a pilot show with the network about the delicate relationship of running a business with close friends. The one episode pilot will air on HGTV this summer and will profile Arcadia, local businesses and the neighborhoods. Keep a look out for more info at hgtv.com. BEHIND THE BUSINESS Friendship and family come first for Arcadia business 100% ASEDS. 100% PROUD. 100% ACCEPTANCE RATE to Brophy College Preparatory, Notre Dame Preparatory, and Xavier College Preparatory. Congratulations to the All Saints’ Episcopal Day School class of 2015 and their teachers on a successful year. It’s amazing to watch your hard work fuel your dreams- we are so proud of you. - All Saints’ Episcopal Day School Board of Trustees All faiths welcome. Pre-K through 8th grade. Indexed Tuition available. 6300 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012 I 602.274.4866 I www.aseds.org I facebook/PhoenixASEDS