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Author: Windyl Amado

The Warren Center

A father smiling and holding his young daughter during a home-based therapy session.

Discover how The Warren Center supports North Texas families navigating developmental delays and disabilities through early intervention, speech therapy, and family advocacy.

From Richardson to the Bruins: Ashlee Sullivan’s Path to Elite Gymnastics and UCLA

Elite gymnast Ashlee Sullivan in a sparkling blue leotard with her arm extended high during a performance or posing on the balance beam.

By Patti Otte Remember the name Ashlee Sullivan. This talented young woman, who spent her childhood in east Richardson, has embarked on a new adventure as a freshman at UCLA. After years of rigorous training and building her elite gymnastics career at Metroplex Gymnastics in Allen, Ashlee is stepping into a fresh chapter as a Bruin. She is an outstanding athlete with a personality built for competition: outgoing, driven, and kind. The Drive of an Elite Athlete and Scholar Ashlee was drawn to gymnastics because its dynamic nature matches her own vibrant personality. Beyond the gym, Ashlee is also a self-proclaimed book nerd who loves to read. Her favorite read is Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and she has devoured everything author Rick Riordan has created. Born into a close-knit family, Ashlee remains devoted to her parents, Lori and Jim, and her sister, Emilee, a first-year medical student at UT Southwestern in Dallas. A Career Shaped by Mentorship and Resilience Ashlee’s path began as a little girl at ASI Gymnastics in Garland, ultimately leading her to full-time training at Metroplex Gymnastics by age 11 or 12. She gives tremendous credit to her parents for their sacrifices. However, she credits coach Marni Futch at Metroplex Gymnastics with being her biggest influence. Futch’s philosophy—love for life first, sport second—shaped Ashlee’s mindset, resilience, and enjoyment of the sport. Her teammates were her home base, helping her balance full-time training (up to eight hours a day) with “normal” high school activities like prom and football games, despite attending Texas Connections Academy online. Elite Achievements and Powerful Comebacks Ashlee’s elite resume is impressive: Winter Cup champion Multi-year U.S. Senior National Team member International competitor in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany She is one of just 15 American women competing at an active senior level for the US National team. Her strongest event is floor, and she thrives on big performance energy, reframing nerves as excitement—a mental strategy learned from Coach Futch. Her ascent has required great grit, including coming back from two slow-developing stress fractures in her back and a dislocated elbow suffered in Italy in 2022. This required nine months to return to full strength. Ashlee affirms that gymnastics is “definitely a mental game” that requires fighting your way back. UCLA: Combining Elite Academics and Athletics When choosing a college, Ashlee sought a school that combined elite academics and elite athletics. UCLA offered that duality and the team culture she sought. Now, Ashlee balances a demanding student-athlete routine: Mornings: Daily wellness checks, three hours of practice, plus an hour of weightlifting and cardio. Afternoons: Reserved for online classes and schoolwork. She emphasizes that UCLA takes care of the whole person—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ashlee also hopes to continue pursuing elite gymnastics while competing for the Bruins—a rare and difficult challenge she embraces. A Future Full of Big Ambitions Ashlee’s goals are set high: Help lead UCLA to a national championship Score a perfect 10 on one or all of her events Consistently maintain a 4.0 GPA Set her sights on the 2028 Summer Olympics Beyond gymnastics, she plans to major in communications and then go to law school. Through it all, her attitude remains focused on gratitude, knowing that “Peace and joy follow gratitude”. Ashlee Sullivan is clearly just at the beginning of a very exciting life story. For more content like this check out Richardson life magazine.

☕️ Brewing Change: How Counsel Brew Co-Founders Bring Insight—and Fun—to the Airwaves

How Counsel Brew Co-Founders Bring Insight—and Fun—to the Airwaves

Meet Shereen El-Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, the dynamic co-founders and co-hosts of the podcast Counsel Brew, which launched in May 2024. Dropping a new episode every two weeks, their conversations are described as the best kind of coffee date: meaningful, surprising, and fun. The Co-Hosts: Law, Life, and Laughter Both Shereen and Nicola are attorneys working as in-house counsel and proud graduates of SMU Dedman School of Law. Though they grew up in Texas, their large extended families overseas keep their perspectives beautifully wide. They initially met after law school while studying for the bar exam. Since then, their careers have intertwined multiple times. The co-hosts are both moms, proud children of immigrants, and firm believers in the power of humor, caffeine, and connection to navigate life’s challenges. They actively support their communities through civil service and involvement in professional organizations. The Inspiration Behind “Counsel Brew” The duo created Counsel Brew to keep their partnership and laughter going, but with a clear purpose: to inspire others and themselves. They aim to share the experiences and knowledge gained over the last 20 years and create a safe and inspiring space for the next generations. They are also passionate about highlighting everyday heroes whose stories aren’t widely shared. The “brew” in the title comes from a shared tradition of pausing midday to connect over coffee or tea with family—a ritual of connection they hope to pass on. Defining the “Path to Badassery” The podcast focuses on “paths to badassery,” which the co-founders define not by titles or resumes, but by: Resilience. Authenticity and experience. The courage to keep rewriting your own story. They are drawn to guests who have faced challenges with grit and grace, who embrace the “messiness” of life, and who lead with heart. ⚖️ The Legal Edge: Structured Empathy Their background as attorneys significantly influences the show. They approach conversations with structure, empathy, and a dash of cross-examination flair, but they also know when to “ditch the script”. Their legal experience taught them that every person’s story has many layers, and within each unique experience lies wisdom that can guide others. The podcast uses three key questions—favorite brew, path to badassery, and something ridiculous (stupid sh*t)—but they embrace the spontaneity of unscripted conversations. A Purposeful Pause and Future Growth Counsel Brew itself reflects the importance of taking a purposeful pause. Whether it’s 10 minutes for coffee or an hour recording, the pause is a reminder to slow down, connect, reflect, and dream. This personal practice is a way to show their children that meaningful work doesn’t require “running on empty”. Looking ahead, they aim to grow the podcast community and audience. They are also working on a new project focused on professional development for attorneys transitioning to in-house counsel. Ultimately, they hope Counsel Brew continues to remind listeners, especially women listeners, that there is strength in connection, beauty in imperfection, and always time for another cup. Read more content like this at Richardson Life Magazine.

Discover Your Child’s Passion: The Benefits and Pathways of Richardson ISD Magnet Schools

Three junior high or elementary students wearing school blazers and smiling in a school hallway with a "We Are Wildcats" sign. (Pathways: General School Choice, Magnet Program)

information provided by Richardson ISD. Richardson ISD (RISD) Magnet Schools offer students specialized programs focusing on interest-based pathways. These unique opportunities are designed to deeply engage students by aligning education with their specific interests. Whether your child is passionate about robotics, theatre, or law, RISD has a dedicated program to help them thrive. 🏫 What Makes RISD Magnet Schools Unique? Unlike traditional neighborhood schools, which are based on residential zones, RISD magnet schools are open to students outside their local attendance zone, provided the family resides in Richardson. This gives parents the opportunity to choose a specialized school that perfectly matches their child’s interests. RISD’s magnet programs span elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Focus areas currently include: advanced math and science, technology, leadership, the arts, and law. RISD Magnet Program Offerings by Campus Elementary School Magnet Programs (Grades K-6) RISD offers three distinct elementary magnet programs. Campus Focus Areas Application/Tour Information Arapaho Classical Magnet Theater, digital media arts, house systems, fine arts, broadcasting Campus tours: December 2025 through February 2026. Register at: risd.org/magnetschools/elementary-checklist/. Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet Leadership-focused magnet Online application open: December 1 to February 28. MST Magnet Math Science Technology Magnet, house systems, gifted and talented strategies Junior High Magnet Programs (Grades 7 & 8) Campus Focus Areas Application Information Richardson West Junior High Arts, culinary arts, theater arts, visual arts, and robotics Learn more at: www.risd.org/magnetschools/junior-high-checklist/. Westwood Junior High Math, science, and leadership magnet High School Magnet Program (Grades 9-12) Campus Focus Areas Application Information Richardson High School Magnet Program Arts, law, and science Online application open: January 13 to January 31, 2026. More information at: www.risd.org/magnetschools/high-school-checklist/. Note: All RISD magnet programs require an application, and eligibility/application processes vary by grade level. 🌟 How Magnet Programs Benefit Students Magnet programs provide students with the chance to explore what excites them most while building a strong academic foundation. Students learn alongside peers who share their interests and passions, which fosters a community where curiosity and collaboration thrive. As Principal Mottram states, students who find a program that nurtures their strengths and connects them with others who share their drive truly thrive. A Student’s Perspective: Yanira Salguero, a senior at Richardson High School (RHS) Law Magnet program, shared her gratitude: “The Law Magnet program at RHS has prepared me for the future in so many ways… it has also taught me how to be prepared and responsible when it comes to making decisions because decisions have rewards or consequences.” Yanira credits the program and her instructor with showing her how to be responsible, reliable, hardworking, and an amazing citizen overall. 🚀 The Future of RISD Magnet Programs RISD is committed to the success of its students and is currently studying opportunities to expand the district’s magnet program. This expansion aims to offer even more interest-based pathways and experiences. The proposed expansion focuses on three key areas: Improvement in current magnet programming and systems. Increased choice programming. Expansion of inter-district transfer options. Learn more about the magnet experience in RISD and explore the possibilities for your child at risd.org/magnetschools/. More about RISD content on Richardson Life Magazine.

Cancel Every New Year’s Resolution Except One: A Radical Path to Daily Joy

Deborah Dobbs headshot

By Deborah Dobbs, MA Stop the cycle of ambitious, often-failed New Year’s resolutions. This year, ditch the 10 goals, the extreme challenges, and the 5 a.m. wakeups. For 2026, we propose a radical resolution: just more joy, every single day. We’re all too busy, too tired, and constantly “doom-scrolling“. Joy has become a fleeting luxury. However, the key to unlocking consistent happiness lies in a simple, intentional shift that creates an “upward spiral“. 🧠 Joy Starts with Neurochemically Incompatible Gratitude The most powerful ingredient for daily joy is gratitude. Did you know your brain is chemically incapable of feeling anger and gratitude at the same time? They are neurochemically incompatible. By intentionally shifting your focus to gratitude, you can diminish anger. Even a simple routine, like writing what you’re grateful for in a journal before bed, can noticeably improve your mood and energy within days. Remember: the gratitude must be authentic for this to work. The Power of Handwriting Your Thanks To give your gratitude a power-boost, try writing it by hand. Handwriting forces you to slow down, allowing you to truly feel and remember good moments more deeply than typing. Functional MRIs reveal that handwriting lights up more areas tied to emotion and memory. This process makes the joy you derive from gratitude “stick” longer. Scientific Proof: A 2016 brain-imaging study showed that writing a single gratitude letter can create a lasting mark on the brain. Three months later, the brains of those who wrote the letters showed a stronger lighting up of reward centers when they expressed thanks, compared to those who didn’t. ⬆️ Ten Simple Tips for Building the Upward Spiral of Happiness Researchers like Barbara Fredrickson highlight that one spark of joy widens our world, makes us braver, kinder, more creative, and happier. This naturally leads to more joy, until it comes effortlessly. Here are ten simple, reader-submitted ways to intentionally add joy to your life today: Open the Windows (in the car or your home) Watch Reels of Babies Laughing Gaze at the Clouds Spend Time in Nature (Stand Barefoot in the Grass) Dance Spontaneously Scream Sing in the Car Overtip a Server Order the Fancy Drink Take the Long Way Home (Notice Something Beautiful) Do/Wear Something Special (without waiting for a Special Occasion) 🎯 Set Yourself Up for Joyful Success Don’t leave joy to chance. Set yourself up for success by creating reminders: Use sticky notes on the fridge and bathroom mirror. Add “More Joy” to your daily calendar. Keep a running list of what works best for you. By next December, you’ll have a whole diary proving that, despite life’s challenges, you consistently chose a better, more joyful existence. Now, there’s a resolution that can actually stick. Love this content? visit Richardson Life Magazine to read more article like this.

The Town Musicians of Richardson: Gigi Griffin Miller’s Inspirational Mosaic Masterpiece

By the time visitors reach the front door of the Richardson Animal Shelter—whether to drop off donations, adopt a pet, or volunteer—they are greeted by an unofficial welcome committee: a playful tower of colorful animals crafted in vibrant mosaic tile. These figures shimmer with ceramic textures, jewel-like colors, and whimsical expressions. This cheerful sculpture, titled “The Town Musicians of Richardson,” references the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “The Town Musicians of Bremen.” In the tale, abandoned animals’ band together, leaving their old lives behind for a new future—a perfect parallel for a city animal shelter, where unwanted pets arrive uncertain and leave with new families and new beginnings. A Welcoming Emblem for a New Chapter The installation is part of the shelter’s 2025 renovation, which includes a new façade and a more inviting entrance. Commissioned through the City’s Public Art Master Plan, the sculpture reinforces the idea that municipal services can be places of care, hope, and personal connection. Community Hands in the Clay Although artist Gigi Griffin Miller designs and builds her sculptures herself, she intentionally invites local involvement. For the Richardson installation, she hosted a community tile-making event for volunteers, fosters, and shelter staff. Every piece crafted by residents was later fired and installed into the base of the sculpture. The entire piece is made of ceramic mosaic tiles that Miller crafts by hand. Memorial tiles, pet prints of fostered animals, and the names of beloved pets are forever memorialized in the sculpture. Miller chose to make the base’s decorative “flowers” the site of these meaningful additions. “That’s where all the memories are,” she explains, literally forming the foundation for the animals above. Built With Purpose, Built to Last Miller’s work is known for durability as well as sentiment. Her mosaic “The Fish” in Kerrville, Texas, famously survived catastrophic flooding, becoming a local symbol of resilience and hope. The scale of “The Town Musicians of Richardson” presented a unique construction challenge, forcing Miller to work outdoors in the Texas heat for months. She insisted on the size—something large enough and colorful enough to catch the eye of drivers, drawing them toward “the real treasures,” the adoptable pets inside. Public Art and Creative Placemaking Miller’s artistic practice is rooted in community development and what she calls “creative placemaking.” She firmly believes civic involvement fosters inclusion and personal investment in shared spaces. Her philosophy centers on the idea that public art should feel like it belongs to the people who encounter it every day. As she puts it: “There’s something magical about art that is community-made. It transcends the individual tiles and creates a sense of place. A community work of art can be a place to return to and serve as a reminder that I existed here in this special place and time.” Miller concludes that “Art is transformative,” especially when it lives where everyday life happens: outside a shelter door, near kennels and adoption rooms, next to the open-hearted families deciding to give an animal a home. Want to read more stories like this? Visit Richardson Life Magazine.