Lmu professor Katie Mouzakis leads a nationwide team on covid-19 treatment research By Shanee Edwards Assistant professor of biochemistry at Loyola Marymount University, Katie Mouzakis, has two passions: teaching and scientific research. But with school happening mostly online, it’s the latter passion she’s able to nourish in an exciting way. Having secured a recent $55,000 […]
Mask Up to Save Endangered Animals
These face masks help protect against COVID-19 and animal poaching By Shanee Edwards After founding her philanthropic organization Over and Above Africa to help protect endangered animals, Playa Vista filmmaker Kerry David directed the award-winning documentary “Breaking Their Silence: Women on the Frontline of the Poaching War” in 2019. It tells the story of an […]
Lisa Hirsch-Solomon Stays Positive Despite Rolling Changes
Owner of studio (mdr) credits her strong community for helping her through tough times Story By Shanee Edwards Originally from Rockland County, New York, Lisa Hirsch-Solomon planned to become a doctor when she attended Tulane University in New Orleans. She had a few classes to go before taking the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and […]
Compassionate and Smart
The Adjustment Team’s COO, Cynthia Sampson, provides valuable help for families dealing with mental health Cynthia Sampson is a born and bred Southern California gal. Currently living in Westchester, Sampson not only has a sharp business mind, but also a giant heart for those in society considered the most vulnerable: The mentally ill. After attending […]
Back in Business
The Playa Vista Farmers’ Market reopens for foot traffic with IRL dragon fruit and heirloom tomatoes Story by Shanee Edwards W estsiders love their local farmers markets. A Saturday morning stroll through colorful flats of fresh vegetables, sampling exotic fruit and artisan bites from food stands while a live band croons, is a valued weekend […]
Pet Safety During Coronavirus
Q&A with Veterinarian Dr. J.J. Rawlinson of Annenberg PetSpace By Shanee Edwards Maintaining our own health and that of our family during the COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus) is of paramount importance. But what if you consider your dog as a family member? Here in Playa Vista many of us consider our four-legged […]
High Tech Workouts
Troy Aguila of Spry Society shares his top 4 tech devices for fitness Story By Shanee Edwards | Photo by Maria Martin It’s a new year and a great time to hit refresh on your fitness routine. If you’re looking to try something new or shake things up a bit, accessible, affordable technology is here […]
Beach Body Positivity
Peachy Keen Swim is disrupting the swimwear industry one bikini at a time Story By By Kellie Chudzinski | Photo by Lauren Brown Despite the fashion industry’s push toward body positivity and size inclusion, one area has lagged behind: swimwear. Leah Sullivan, Summer Morgan and Delaney Drexler set out to create a swimsuit brand […]
7 Signs Your Child Might Have a Learning Disorder
With kids back in school, a Playa Vista educational therapist has some advice Story By Dr. Bibi Pirayesh | Photo by Maria Martin In my practice as an educational therapist I often get parents wondering if their child is in need of testing. While parents may be wary of a culture of over-testing diagnosis, avoiding […]
5 Tips for Helping Your kids Transition Back to School
Expert advice from Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rachel Thomasian Story by Shanee Edwards | Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner Going back to school or starting school for the first time is normally a happy, exciting time for children. But for some kids, facing new social situations or dealing with a new routine can cause anxiety. […]