In this episode of HRTbeat, Jake Friedel sits down with Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager for the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District, and Kari Larese, Communications Manager for Highlands Ranch Water. Together, they discuss the vital roles their organizations play in maintaining Highlands Ranch’s parks, open spaces, water infrastructure, and community resources. They dive into upcoming projects, the importance of water conservation, and the significance of voting in the local May 6th elections. Sherry and Kari also share exciting updates about the new Highlands Ranch Senior Center, future pickleball courts, and community events you won't want to miss.

We talked about:

• Overview of Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District and Water District services

• The growth and popularity of pickleball in Highlands Ranch

• Opening of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center and its activities

• How the Metro District maintains parks, trails, and open spaces

• Highlands Ranch Water’s reliance on surface water and aquifer backup

• Water conservation tips: “No Mow May” and smarter lawn watering practices

• Details about the upcoming May 6th local elections for board positions

• How citizen engagement programs like the Citizens Academy and Citizen Engagement Committee foster leadership
  

Resources:

Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District

Website: https://www.highlandsranch.org

Facebook: Highlands Ranch Metro District Facebook

Instagram: @highlandsranchmetrodistrict

X (formerly Twitter): @HRMetroDistrict

LinkedIn: Highlands Ranch Metro District LinkedIn

Highlands Ranch Water

Website: https://www.highlandsranchwater.org

Facebook: Highlands Ranch Water Facebook

Instagram: @highlandsranchwater

X (formerly Twitter): @HRWaterCO

YouTube Channel: Highlands Ranch Water YouTube

Ashley is my neighbor, our recent dinner trade buddy, a great podcaster, and an expert on healing your metabolism and experiencing vitality beyond your 40s. Check out her podcast, The Family Fork, wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of HRtbeat: the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake Freedle welcomes Ashley Malik, a wellness coach and host of The Family Fork. Ashley shares her journey from years of frustrating health struggles to discovering functional medicine. She opens up about the changes she made to heal her body, including giving up inflammatory foods, focusing on mindset, and ultimately losing 65 pounds in her late 40s.

Ashley discusses her approach to "component cooking," a flexible system that allows her to cook healthy meals that satisfy her family without spending hours in the kitchen. She also talks about the power of small, sustainable changes and how curiosity can be the key to better habits. From food choices to finding balance as a busy mom, Ashley offers insights for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being.

We talked about:

• Ashley’s journey to health after years of frustration with traditional medicine.

• How functional medicine helped her identify Hashimoto's disease and nutrient deficiencies.

• The role of nutrition in managing brain fog, joint pain, and weight gain.

• Ashley’s approach to "component cooking" for easy, flexible family meals.

• Her mindset-focused coaching approach for sustainable health changes.

• The importance of small steps and curiosity when building new habits.

• Strategies for navigating social situations without alcohol.

Learn more about The Family Fork with Ashley Malik:

• Ashley Malik is a wellness coach and host of The Family Fork podcast. Specializing in nutrition and mindset coaching, Ashley helps midlife moms improve their health, lose weight, and reclaim their energy. To learn more about her coaching programs or to explore her meal planning membership, visit ashleymalik.com.

Or message us at [email protected], and we help you get connected. 

Meet Jane, a phenomenal massage therapist specializing in pre, post, and peri-natal massage. She's amazing, and  you should definitely go book a session. Especially if you feel like you don't have time for that.

In this episode of HRTbeat, the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake Freedle welcomes Jane Chevalier, an exceptionally skilled massage therapist and the owner of Take Care Mama Massage. Jane shares her journey from running her own massage business to stepping away for financial stability, only to rediscover her passion for healing after becoming a mother. She opens up about the challenges of balancing work, motherhood, and purpose, as well as the importance of holistic care for parents.

Jane discusses the lack of perinatal care in the suburbs, the deep need for mothers to feel seen and supported, and how her practice is helping to fill that gap. From prenatal and postpartum massage to abdominal therapy, she explains the power of bodywork in healing and how she’s creating a space for parents—moms and dads alike—to receive the care they deserve.

We talked about:

• Jane’s path from massage therapist to corporate life and back.

• The need for better local perinatal care in Highlands Ranch.

• Why postpartum support for moms matters.

• How massage therapy aids fertility, pregnancy, and healing.

• The importance of self-care for both moms and dads.

• The role of partners in pregnancy and parenting.

• Challenges of running a small wellness business in a corporate-driven area.

  
  

Learn more about Take Care Mama Massage with Jane Chevalier:

• Jane is a compassionate massage therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum, and abdominal therapy. Her mission is to support and advocate for mothers and families in Highlands Ranch. To book a session or learn more, visittakecaremamamassage.com.

Meet Melissa Dilullo: super interesting neighbor, big hearted yoga instructor, gifted artist and potter, and a great community member. You'll enjoy her story of transformation, and be reminded of the great people all around us, here in Highlands Ranch.

In this episode of HRTbeat, the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake Freedle welcomes Melissa Dilullo, a talented yoga instructor, potter, and deeply inspiring member of the community. Melissa shares her journey from a fast-paced corporate career to finding purpose through yoga, pottery, and community building. She opens up about the challenges of reinvention, the devastation of losing her home to a fire, and the resilience that helped her rebuild her life.

Melissa discusses the importance of meaningful connection, the power of showing up for others, and how adversity can lead to unexpected personal growth. Through her experiences, she offers a heartfelt reminder that life’s greatest lessons often emerge from its hardest moments.

We talked about:

Learn more about Fat Bottom Pottery with Melissa Dilullo:

An interview with the best cosmetic surgeon in the south metropolitan area, right here in the Ranch. Hear about what makes them different, as well as their amazing new wellness program.

In this episode of HRTbeat, the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake welcomes Dr. Kamran Dastoury of Modern Surgical Arts. Dr. Dastoury shares his journey into cosmetic surgery and its transformative impact on his patients' lives. Jake even opens up about his own tummy tuck experience and how it’s boosted his confidence. Together, they discuss everything from the social stigma of cosmetic surgery for men to groundbreaking techniques like Renuvion for skin tightening. They also touch on Dr. Dastoury’s innovative wellness program, featuring GLP-1 medications, fitness coaching, and mental health support. It's a fun, heartfelt, and educational look at how modern surgical arts can empower people to live their best lives.

We talked about:

Learn more about Dr. Kamran Dastoury: Website: https://modernsurgicalarts.com/

In this episode of HRTbeat, the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake Freedle welcomes Natalie Bernstein and Lauren Engelsberg, twin sisters and founders of Dual Star Academy of Dance, to discuss their journey of entrepreneurship and passion for dance. The pair share insights into their mission to provide world-class dance training while building self-esteem and confidence in young dancers. They reflect on their upbringing in Denver, early experiences teaching, and the challenges of opening their studio just a year out of college.

Natalie and Lauren also delve into their philosophy of creating a supportive culture for students and staff, balancing competitive excellence with a positive, team-oriented environment. 

Inspiring stories of resilience and success, showcasing how dance not only develops technical skills but also fosters confidence, community and lifelong personal growth concludes the conversation. 

We talked about:

Learn more about Dual Star Academy of Dance with Natalie and Lauren:

This week, we feature an episode of a different podcast, "Let's Be Real Mama Journeys." Nikki Brooker (from Episodes 2 and 9) interviews Jake's wife, Ellen Kaye, about her journey into motherhood. We're a big fan of Nikki's work, and wanted to share her podcast. Check her out anywhere you listen to podcasts.

To get involved or support their mission, visit yanamom.com and tune in to hear more about the organization’s next steps and heartwarming stories. We talked about:

Journey of expanding YANA’s hospital partnerships, now reaching three hospitals.

How Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies connects moms with weekly gatherings, an app and direct support.

Role of Douglas County’s grant and other funding to help sustain YANA’s free services for moms.

The $60 per mom cost  for providing year-long, wraparound support, showcasing YANA’s efficiency.

YANA’s goal, to combat isolation in motherhood and to build a supportive “village” for maternal mental health.

Learn more about Nikki Brooker:

Visit her website https://yanamom.com/

Get to know her new program https://yanamom.com/strong-mamas-program/

Show your support https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/yanam2m

Listen to her podcast https://yanamom.com/lets-be-real-podcast/

Find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yanam2m/

Connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yanam2m

Follow her on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@yanam2m

In this episode of HRtbeat, the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake Freedle welcomes back Nikki Brooker, founder of the nonprofit YANA, (You Are Not Alone), for an inspiring update on her organization’s work in providing vital support to new moms. YANA’s program, Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies, now operates in three hospitals, offering comprehensive, year-long support to mothers, including personal outreach, community gatherings and digital resources.

Nikki shares the tremendous impact of their 96% acceptance rate, emphasizing how this unique program fills a gap in maternal care, especially during the challenging first year. She discusses the importance of community and mental health support, touching on YANA’s funding journey, including grants from Douglas County and encouraging donations for the upcoming Colorado Gives Day.

To get involved or support their mission, visit yanamom.com and tune in to hear more about the organization’s next steps and heartwarming stories.

We talked about:

Learn more about Nikki Brooker:

Follow her on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@yanam2m 

In this episode of HRTbeat, the Highlands Ranch podcast, Jake Freedle sits down with Shari Long-Romero, a midwife and founder of Peace Love and Shari - a midwifery practice that focuses on providing personalized, client-centered care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. 

Shari shares her journey into midwifery, the challenges of working in hospitals and how she found her calling in home birth. They talk about the birth of Jake’s second daughter and nephew, with Shari’s guidance and explore what makes home births so special. 

Whether you’re curious about alternative birthing options or simply want to hear an inspiring story, this episode has something for you.

We talked about:

Learn more about Peace, Love, and Shari:

A chat with  Highlands Ranch Community fitness team lead Hannah Yeager! Explore the vibrant community with fantastic programs, facilities, and local gems.

In this episode of HRTbeat, the Highlands Range podcast, we'll be chatting with Hannah Yeager, the fitness team lead at the Highlands Ranch Community Association and talk about all the incredible programs and facilities they offer. From group fitness classes to tennis and pottery, there's something for everyone here. We'll also be sharing our favorite spots in town, like the Westridge rec center and Daniel's Park. Plus, we'll give you the scoop on Lost Coffee, the new shop taking over the Festive Cup and employing young adults with cognitive disabilities. 

So join us as we explore what makes Highlands Ranch such a strong, friendly, and well-maintained community!

We talked about:

Links:

Hannah Yeager (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-yeager-803936b6/

HRCA Fitness: https://www.facebook.com/HRCAFitness

HRCA Yoga: https://hrcaonline.org/classes-camps-activities/fitness/group-fitness-classes/yoga