MENU
mobile-logo
Home / Health • Wellness

6:15 pm
Health • Wellness October

Southern California Reproductive Center

At Southern California Reproductive Center, we stand at the forefront of fertility care, blending modern science with personalized compassion. Our dedicated team of fertility experts are committed to guiding you through every step 
of your unique fertility journey.

450 N Roxbury Drive, Suite 500, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: 310.277.2393 | scrcivf.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Southern California Reproductive Center

Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn, Photography provided

For more than 25 years, Southern California Reproductive Center (SCRC) has been helping patients build families through advanced fertility care grounded in medical expertise, individualized treatment and a physician-led approach. Founded in 2000 by reproductive endocrinologists Dr. Mark Surrey and Dr. Hal Danzer, SCRC has grown from a single Beverly Hills practice into one of the most established fertility practices in the United States, now serving communities throughout Southern California.

In August 2026, SCRC reached another milestone with the opening of a new satellite location in Westlake Village. Located within CURE Medical at the Center for Health & Wellbeing at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, the new location brings SCRC’s reproductive care closer to patients in the Conejo Valley and surrounding communities.

The expansion reflects a simple idea that has remained central to SCRC since its founding: Fertility care should be both highly specialized and accessible to the people who need it.

“This is an exciting moment for our practice and for the patients we serve,” said Dr. Mark Surrey, Co-Founder of SCRC. “Expanding to Westlake Village reflects our ongoing commitment to making world-class fertility care more accessible across Southern California. We are proud to grow from a foundation of physician-led values that have guided this practice from the beginning.”

Bringing Care to the Conejo Valley

Fertility treatment often involves frequent appointments for bloodwork, ultrasounds and other monitoring. While advanced treatment may be concentrated at a specialized fertility center, the logistical demands of traveling back and forth can add another layer of stress to an already emotional process.

SCRC’s Westlake Village location is designed to address that challenge. It will serve as a central monitoring point for SCRC patients from Santa Barbara and Beverly Hills, allowing them to complete bloodwork and ultrasound monitoring closer to home during treatment cycles. New patients can also begin their care at the Westlake Village location, with consultations available either in person or virtually.

The new location is part of a broader Southern California network that includes SCRC offices in Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, Pasadena and Ventura. Together, these locations allow patients to receive local monitoring while remaining connected to the same physician group and SCRC’s established laboratory and clinical infrastructure.

“We built this practice one patient at a time, and that approach has never changed,” said Dr. Hal Danzer, Co-Founder of SCRC. “Our Westlake Village location is a reflection of where we are headed, a physician-led practice continuing to grow in a way that puts patients first. We’re excited to bring our care closer to communities that have long needed it.”

The Westlake Village location is situated within CURE Medical at the Center for Health & Wellbeing at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, a setting focused on individualized medical and wellness experiences. SCRC’s presence there extends the practice’s physician-led reproductive care into one of the region’s premier wellness destinations.

A Personalized Approach to Fertility Treatment

Although technology has transformed reproductive medicine, SCRC believes that successful fertility care starts with understanding the individual patient.

“Fertility care is not one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be treated that way,” is a principle that guides the practice. Two patients may have the same diagnosis on paper but require very different approaches based on their biology, medical history and personal goals.

SCRC’s physicians work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans and explain the reasoning behind those recommendations. The goal is for patients to understand their options and make informed decisions rather than simply follow a predetermined protocol.

That philosophy is reflected in the practice’s physician-owned structure. SCRC was founded by physicians and remains physician-owned today. Its medical team includes Dr. Mark Surrey, Dr. Hal Danzer, Dr. Carolyn Alexander, Dr. Susan Maxwell and Dr. Diana Chavkin, all reproductive medicine specialists committed to individualized patient care.

The physicians also hold clinical faculty appointments at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, bringing academic and clinical experience to their work.

Comprehensive Reproductive Services Under One Practice

SCRC offers a broad range of fertility services designed to meet patients at different stages of their reproductive journeys. These include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), egg freezing and fertility preservation, donor egg treatment and other forms of third-party reproduction, including gestational surrogacy.

The practice also provides male fertility evaluation and treatment, diagnostic fertility testing, genetic testing and preimplantation genetic testing, as well as advanced reproductive and minimally invasive surgery.

For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, SCRC offers family-building options including IVF, reciprocal IVF, donor gametes and surrogacy. The practice also works with single parents by choice and intended parents pursuing donor or gestational-carrier arrangements.

Patients may come to SCRC for many different reasons, including unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, tubal factor infertility, endometriosis, ovarian dysfunction, diminished ovarian reserve or male factor infertility. Others seek fertility preservation to maintain future options, including those facing medical treatments that may affect fertility.

Expertise Without the Distance

SCRC’s physicians say patients consistently value two things: the practice’s level of expertise and the personal nature of its care.

Patients are supported by care coordinators who understand their history, questions are answered in accessible language and the team strives to ensure that patients feel known rather than processed through a system.

That emphasis on continuity extends to SCRC’s Beverly Hills flagship location, which houses the practice’s own assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory. Keeping embryology and patient care under the same roof allows the clinical and laboratory teams to communicate directly about each case.

The laboratory, combined with SCRC’s depth of experience in reproductive medicine, provides an important foundation for the practice’s IVF and related services. SCRC’s physicians have practiced through decades of advances in reproductive medicine while continuing to invest in new technologies and treatment approaches.

Looking Ahead

As SCRC enters its next chapter, the Westlake Village expansion represents both growth and a continuation of the practice’s original mission.

The goal is not simply to add another location, but to make specialized fertility care more accessible while preserving the physician-led, individualized approach that has defined SCRC since 2000.

For patients throughout the Conejo Valley, Santa Barbara, Ventura and greater Southern California, the new Westlake Village location offers another point of access to a fertility practice with more than two decades of experience.

At its core, SCRC’s message remains straightforward: Every patient deserves the opportunity to understand their fertility options and pursue the path to family building that is right for them.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit scrcivf.com or call 310.277.2393.

© Copyright 2026 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

12:14 am
Health • Wellness September

Smiles 4 Life

1140 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite A, Thousand Oaks 91362 Tel: (805) 301-7777

Office Hours
Wednesday 8:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–6 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday 10 AM–3 PM
Monday 8:30 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–6 PM

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Smiles 4 Life

By Alicia Doyle, Photography Provided

Some people build businesses. Others build communities. For nearly two decades, Pantea Choroomi has quietly done both.

Today, as co-founder of Smiles 4 Life – All Ages Dental & Braces and Agoura Dental Group, Pantea is known as a business leader, entrepreneur and healthcare advocate. But behind the success of her practices is a deeply personal story shaped by resilience, faith and an enduring sense of gratitude.

Her journey began far from Conejo Valley. Born into a family whose life was upended by the Iranian Revolution, Pantea’s early years were defined by displacement and rebuilding. When her father refused to compromise his principles under the new regime, the family was forced to leave everything behind and start over in Germany.

“It was not an easy journey,” she recalls. “My parents lost everything materially, but they never lost their values, their work ethic or their determination.”

Germany became a formative chapter in her life. As immigrants, her family was met with kindness and opportunity—an experience that left a lasting impression.

“I remember how hardworking, disciplined, detailed and skilled the German people were,” she says. “Germany gave my family stability, education and an opportunity to rebuild.”

Pantea thrived academically, pursuing architectural design, German literature and eventually law school. But during her second year, a family illness prompted a life-changing move to the United States. Leaving behind a clear path, she followed her parents across the Atlantic into the unknown.

What she found was possibility.

“I learned very quickly that the American Dream is real,” she says. “It took hard work, but America rewarded that hard work.”

Watching her father rebuild once again—this time in the U.S.—deepened her appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities many take for granted.

“There is not a single day that passes that I don’t feel grateful to live in this country,” she says. “My family was given freedom, safety, opportunity and a future here.”

That journey would also lead her to Conejo Valley—and to her future husband, Dr. Aaron Choroomi. On an early visit to Thousand Oaks, she felt an immediate connection.

“The mountains reminded me of the beautiful town where I grew up in Germany,” she says. “I told him, ‘If we get married, I want to live here for the rest of my life.”

Twenty years later, that vision has come full circle. The Choroomi family built both a life and a legacy rooted in service, raising their two children while growing a thriving dental practice.

As her husband was starting Agoura Dental Group, the realities of running a healthcare practice quickly became apparent. While Dr. Choroomi excelled clinically, the growing demands of administration, operations, staffing and business management threatened to pull him away from what he loved most—caring for patients.

Pantea stepped in to help. What began as support for her husband soon evolved into a calling of her own.

“I realized that every system, every process, every employee, every improvement ultimately affected a patient,” she says. “That made the work meaningful.”

Under her leadership, the practice flourished, building long-standing relationships with local families—many of whom have returned for generations.

A new chapter began during the pandemic, when the family enrolled their children at Hillcrest Christian School. What started as helping with homework evolved into a deeper spiritual journey. Eventually, Pantea and her husband began attending church and made the decision to embrace Christianity.

“Our children helped lead us there,” she says.

Around the same time, a long-held vision began to take shape. For years, Pantea had driven past an abandoned building in Thousand Oaks, imagining what it could become.

“Most people saw an empty building. I saw possibility,” she says.

That vision became Smiles 4 Life—a modern, all-ages dental and orthodontic center designed with intention and compassion. Every detail, from the layout to the technology to the team, reflects a commitment to making high-quality care accessible and welcoming.

For Pantea, success has never been about scale—it has been about purpose.

“It’s about creating the right place,” she says. “A place where patients feel seen, where doctors can focus on care and where families feel welcomed.”

With the new concept of Smiles 4 Life, Pantea set out to solve a challenge she had seen too often in dentistry: the lack of communication between doctors across separate practices, which can delay treatment, create confusion and ultimately affect the patient’s overall care.

By bringing trusted specialists together under one roof, Smiles 4 Life offers patients a smoother, more connected experience. This model provides a double benefit: It helps advance treatment more efficiently while saving patients from the stress of traveling back and forth, scheduling multiple appointments at different offices and trying to coordinate care between separate doctors on their own.

At the heart of it all is a single guiding principle: gratitude.

“Gratitude for my parents’ sacrifices, for Germany, for America, for my family and for this community,” she says.

That gratitude is woven into every corner of Smiles 4 Life. It is the reason the practice exists. And it is the legacy Pantea Choroomi hopes to leave behind for her two children—one smile for life at a time.

© Copyright 2026 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

1:00 am
Health • Wellness July

Newbury Park Dental Arts

400 S. Reino Road. Suite 100. Newbury Park, CA 91320
Tel: (805) 498-0400 |

Office Hours
Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
Friday by appointment only

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Newbury Park Dental Arts

By Alicia Doyle, Photography Provided

At Newbury Park Dental Arts, dentistry is about far more than cleanings and checkups—it’s about transforming lives. Dr. Cristina Markiewicz and Dr. Jason Verdi have built a reputation for blending clinical excellence with genuine compassion, helping patients not only achieve healthier smiles, but renewed confidence.

“We deliver life-changing dentistry,” says Dr. Verdi. “We help people get healthy, look good and feel great about themselves.”

That philosophy is woven into every aspect of the patient experience. From preventive care to complex restorative treatments, the team takes a personalized approach, recognizing that each patient walks through the door with unique needs, concerns and goals.

That philosophy is woven into every aspect of the patient experience. From preventive care to complex restorative treatments, the team takes a personalized approach, recognizing that each patient walks through the door with unique needs, concerns and goals.

“We treat people as individuals with families, jobs and lives—not as appointment numbers,” Dr. Verdi explains. “Our goal is to empower patients to take charge of their oral health through education, clear treatment plans and compassionate care.”

Comprehensive Care, One Trusted Team

One of the defining qualities of Newbury Park Dental Arts is its ability to provide truly comprehensive care under one roof. Patients can access preventive services such as cleanings, exams, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screenings, as well as restorative treatments including crowns, bridges, and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Cosmetic dentistry is also a popular focus, with services like teeth whitening, veneers and full smile makeovers helping patients achieve natural, confident results.

“We’re especially excited about our smile makeovers and minimal-preparation veneers,” says Dr. Verdi. “They can dramatically enhance a smile while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.”

In addition, the practice offers dental implants, emergency care and sedation options designed to ease anxiety—an essential component of their patient-first philosophy.

“Our team is gentle and empathetic,” he says. “We work hard to reduce fear and build lasting relationships with our patients.”

Modern technology further enhances the experience, with tools like digital imaging and iTero scanning improving both accuracy and comfort. Combined with transparent pricing, insurance assistance and flexible financing options, the practice strives to make high-quality care accessible to all.

Modern technology further enhances the experience, with tools like digital imaging and iTero scanning improving both accuracy and comfort. Combined with transparent pricing, insurance assistance and flexible financing options, the practice strives to make high-quality care accessible to all.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

12:37 am
Health • Wellness June

Method of Beauty

30839 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., CA 91362
Tel: 818-851-9961 | methodofbeauty.com
Hours:
Open: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Select Saturdays by Appointment Only

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Method of Beauty

By Alicia Doyle

Photography By Janet Barnett

At Method of Beauty, men’s health isn’t an afterthought—it’s a movement. Founded on the principle that health, performance and appearance are interconnected, the practice blends advanced medicine with a distinctly human touch.

As the practice grew, Michele decided to partner up with her husband, Dr. David Chahine, to fulfill a growing need: a truly holistic and medically-guided dimension of patient care. Together, they transformed Method of Beauty into what it is today: a sanctuary where advanced aesthetics meet the precision of medical expertise. This evolution allowed them to offer not just regenerative therapies and natural aesthetics, but a full spectrum of concierge medicine that places patient wellness at its core.

“Care here isn’t transactional,” says Ali David Chahine, MD, a physician at Method of Beauty. “It’s intentional, personalized and deeply integrated.”

That philosophy defines everything about the patient experience. Rather than treating isolated concerns, Dr. Chahine and his team approach each patient as a whole.

“We bridge the gap between traditional medicine and modern optimization,” he explains. “Patients don’t just look better—they perform better, feel better and move through life with greater confidence.”

Redefining Men’s Health

The practice has seen a steady rise in male patients—a sign of what Dr. Chahine calls a “cultural shift” in how men view wellness.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that men’s health treatments are rooted in vanity,” he says. “In reality, they’re rooted in restoration. The goal is not to change who someone is, but to restore alignment and strength.”

He adds that many signs of decline—fatigue, weight gain or reduced performance—are not inevitable parts of aging.

“Those are signals,” he explains. “When properly evaluated, they can be addressed and often reversed.”

The New Trend: Intentional Living

According to Dr. Chahine, more men are taking a proactive role in their health than ever before.

“Conversations around hormones, metabolism and performance are no longer niche—they’re mainstream,” he says. “Taking care of your health and appearance is no longer indulgent. It’s a form of self-respect.”

Greater awareness and access are key drivers of this shift, along with changing cultural perspectives.

“The modern patient doesn’t wait for problems,” he adds. “He invests in staying ahead of them.”

Tailored Treatments That Work

At Method of Beauty, every treatment plan is physician-led and customized.

“Our aim is to optimize both how a patient feels and how he shows up in his life,” says Dr. Chahine.

Method of Beauty offers services to help men age well and live their best lives, including Hormone Optimization (HRT), medical weight loss and more.

  • Hormone Optimization (HRT): Hormonal balance is foundational to male performance and longevity. Through advanced labs and individualized care, testosterone is restored to an optimal—not excessive—range. “Patients typically notice better energy, focus, strength and mood,” notes Dr. Chahine. “When properly managed, hormone therapy becomes a cornerstone of long-term vitality.”
  • Medical Weight Loss and Metabolic Optimization: Weight management is approached as a reflection of metabolic health. Using evidence-based strategies—including GLP-1 medications when appropriate—patients refine body composition while improving cardiovascular function and stamina. “The goal is refinement, not restriction,” Dr. Chahine emphasizes. “It’s about sustainable results, not short-term fixes.”
  • Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Erectile dysfunction, he says, is rarely a standalone issue. “It’s often an early signal of vascular, metabolic or hormonal changes,” he explains. Treatments may combine medication, hormone optimization and regenerative therapies. “Confidence is restored, presence improves and men regain control of their health and lives.”

Breaking Barriers

Despite growing awareness, Dr. Chahine sees mindset—not access—as the biggest barrier for many men.

“Men are conditioned to tolerate discomfort and push through fatigue,” he says. “They often don’t realize that low energy or weight gain are modifiable, not fixed states.”

Traditional healthcare settings can also be uninspiring or inefficient. Method of Beauty reimagines that environment—offering discretion, efficiency and comfort.

“When the experience changes,” Dr. Chahine notes, “so does the behavior.”

Building Strength for the Future

When asked for his best advice for aging well, Dr. Chahine is clear: Prevention outperforms cure.

“Start before you feel the need to,” he advises. “The most effective interventions are preventative.”

He recommends understanding your baseline through lab work, maintaining strength training, prioritizing nutrition and sleep, and managing stress.

“Approach health with the same strategy you apply to career or finance,” he says. “The return is exponential.”

Ultimately, he believes true wellness goes beyond physical results.

“Health isn’t something to manage passively—it’s built deliberately,” he says. “Taking control doesn’t mean reacting to decline; it means creating a plan that sustains strength and clarity over time.”

When overall balance is achieved—through hormones, metabolism and performance—the benefits ripple outward.

“It influences how a man leads, how he connects and how he experiences life,” says Dr. Chahine. “This isn’t about chasing youth—it’s about maintaining capability.”

A Mission of Precision

As Men’s Health Month approaches, Dr. Chahine hopes more men will view healthcare not as crisis management, but as an opportunity.

“Many common concerns—fatigue, weight gain and decreased performance—are early indicators of deeper shifts,” he explains. “When addressed with precision, they become opportunities to extend longevity and enhance quality of life.”

That philosophy drives Method of Beauty’s mission: to deliver advanced, personalized medical care that empowers men to perform—and live—at their highest level.

“Because when a man feels strong, clear and in control of his health,” says Dr. Chahine, “everything else follows.”

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

11:46 pm
Health • Wellness June

Metriq Health

77 Rolling Oaks, Suite 110 Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Tel: 805-634-3301 | metriq.health
Hours:
Tue and Thu: 10 am–7 pm
Wed, Fri, and Sat: 9 am–5 pm

Physician-led hormone optimization in the heart of the Conejo Valley

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Metriq Health

In a region known for high performance professionally, physically and personally, health is no longer viewed as maintenance. It is optimization.

Metriq Health was founded on a simple but powerful belief: We are not passive recipients of aging; we are architects of it.

At its core, Metriq Health is redefining what modern medicine can look like when it is both deeply scientific and deeply personal. Located in Thousand Oaks, and serving Westlake Village and the Conejo Valley, the physician-led clinic offers a new model of care that replaces fragmented wellness approaches with a unified, data-driven strategy designed to enhance energy, cognition, strength, and long-term health span.

This is not wellness as a trend. This is medicine, executed with precision.

A New Standard in Hormone and Metabolic Optimization

Hormones are dynamic signals that influence nearly every system in the body, from metabolism and sleep to mood, focus and performance. Yet traditional care often treats them in isolation or overlooks them entirely. Metriq Health was built to change that. Their care model serves both women and men, including support through perimenopause and menopause, testosterone optimization, thyroid health, and broader metabolic and cardiovascular risk assessment.

By analyzing biomarkers across cardiovascular, metabolic, neurocognitive and bone health, Metriq Health places hormone health in the context of whole-body physiology. Each patient receives a personalized protocol that evolves over time, guided by real data, not guesswork.

By analyzing biomarkers across cardiovascular, metabolic, neurocognitive and bone health, Metriq Health places hormone health in the context of whole-body physiology. Each patient receives a personalized protocol that evolves over time, guided by real data, not guesswork.

Every decision is grounded in a simple principle: If it cannot be measured, it cannot be optimized.

Physician-Led. Data-Driven. Individually-Designed.

At Metriq Health, care is not delegated or templated. It is designed. Led by Founders Eileen Higham, PhD, and Tom Anderson, MD, the clinic integrates clinical medicine with cutting-edge diagnostics to create a deeply personalized experience.

Patients are not passive recipients of care. They are active participants, equipped with the knowledge and data to understand and shape their own biology.

This philosophy reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward individualized, proactive and transparent care. At Metriq Health, this is defined as data-driven vitality.

Where Science Meets Real Life

Despite its clinical rigor, Metriq Health is designed to feel approachable, human and collaborative. Complex science is translated into intuitive guidance that integrates seamlessly into daily life.

Patients come seeking more than lab results. They seek sustained energy, sharper cognition, improved strength and resilience, and confidence that their health is aligned with their goals.

Most importantly, they seek clarity. Metriq Health provides not only the data, but the understanding behind it.

A Movement, Not Just a Clinic

In a culture saturated with quick fixes and conflicting advice, Metriq Health stands for discipline over hype, data over opinion and partnership over prescription.

It is built for individuals who approach their health with intentionality, who demand precision, and who believe their best years are still ahead.

Because longevity alone is not the goal. The goal is vitality, measured in energy, clarity and capability.

In the Conejo Valley, that future is being engineered one data point, one protocol and one patient at a time.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

9:40 pm
Health • Wellness May

The Blend Beyond

Monica DiPrimeo offers Scar and Stretch Mark Camouflage as her leading service, including Scalp Micropigmentation and Microblading.

9301 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
Tel: (818) 746-0311 | theblendbeyond.com
Business Hours Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

CLICK HERE: Learn More About The Blend Beyond

Article By Alicia Doyle

Photography Provided

The skin tells a story.

For some, it reflects life’s joys and milestones. For others, it may carry reminders of surgery, injury, acne, or hair loss. At The Blend Beyond, Monica Diprimeo has made it her mission to help people reclaim confidence in their skin—and move forward with a renewed sense of self.

Restoring Confidence Through Skin

As the owner of The Blend Beyond, Monica specializes in paramedical aesthetics, a field that blends medical understanding with artistic techniques to improve the appearance of scars and other skin concerns.

“The Blend Beyond is a paramedical aesthetics practice dedicated to helping people restore confidence in their skin,” she explains. “My work focuses on treatments such as scar camouflage, scalp micropigmentation and skin revision techniques designed to improve the appearance of scars, hair loss and other skin challenges.”

Her work helps clients soften visible reminders of past injuries or conditions, offering solutions many people may not realize are available.

A Medical Background That Shaped a Vision

Monica’s path to founding The Blend Beyond began in the medical field. For more than 20 years, she worked as a medical assistant and surgical technician alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons, gaining firsthand insight into both the science of skin and the emotional impact of physical scars.

“The inspiration behind The Blend Beyond came from my many years working in the medical field,” she says. “Working as a medical assistant and surgical technician alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons, and I also spent time in the operating room. During that time, I saw firsthand the incredible work that medicine can do to save and improve lives—but I also noticed that many patients were left with scars or physical reminders that affected how they felt about themselves and left with very limited options available to help soften the appearance of the skin.”

“The Blend Beyond was born from that vision, to bridge the gap between medical treatment and aesthetic restoration, and to help people feel confident and comfortable in their skin again.”

Blending Science and Art

One of Monica’s primary specialties is scar camouflage, a technique that blends custom pigments into the skin to reduce the visibility of scars and help them blend more naturally with surrounding skin tones.

She also offers scalp micropigmentation, which creates the appearance of natural hair density for clients experiencing hair thinning or hair loss.

Additional services focus on skin regeneration and healing. Microneedling with growth factors can help improve acne scars as well as stimulate hair growth. The practice also offers advanced light therapies, including red and blue light treatments that help calm inflammation and support skin health, particularly for those dealing with active acne.

Some of these treatments have become especially popular among clients seeking solutions for concerns that once felt permanent.

“Some of the most popular services at The Blend Beyond are scar camouflage and scalp micropigmentation,” Monica says. “These treatments address concerns that many people struggle with but often don’t realize there are solutions for.”

A Personalized Approach to Healing

Beyond the technical treatments, Monica believes what truly sets The Blend Beyond apart is the deeply personal nature of her work.

“What makes The Blend Beyond unique is the combination of medical insight, artistic precision and a deeply personal approach to healing the skin,” she says. “With more than 20 years of experience working alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons, as well as time spent in the operating room, I bring a medical understanding of scars and skin healing.”

Many clients come to her after surgery, injury, acne scarring or hair loss, searching for options that help restore what they feel they have lost.

“My role is to help restore what was lost by softening scars, blending pigments into the skin and creating the appearance of natural hair density.”

Looking Beyond the Surface

For Monica, the goal of The Blend Beyond is about far more than improving skin—it’s about helping people feel comfortable in their own bodies again.

“The ultimate goal of The Blend Beyond is to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin again,” she emphasizes. “The positive impact I hope to have is not only visible in the skin, but also in how people feel. Helping people move forward with a sense of improvement and empowerment is at the heart of The Blend Beyond.”

At its core, The Blend Beyond is about healing—not just what the eye can see, but the confidence that lies beneath the surface.

To make an appointment, contact Monica at 818.746.0311 or theblendbeyond@gmail.com. Learn more at BlendBeyond.com.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

9:11 pm
April Health • Wellness

SoCal Sleep Dentistry

30873 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Westlake Village
Tel: 818.864.0011 | SoCalSleepDentistry.com

Mon – Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat – Sun: By Appointment Only

Learn More About SoCal Sleep Dentistry

Written By Alicia Doyle Photography provided

Investing in family can look like many things: lingering over dinner, holding space for tough conversations or sitting beside a loved one in a vulnerable moment. For husband-and-wife team Dr. Nina Rastegar and Dr. Daniel Kohanchi, it also looks like building a dental practice that feels like an extension of home, where anxious patients, children and entire families can receive care in an environment rooted in warmth, safety and trust.

SoCal Sleep Dentistry in Westlake Village feels less like a clinic and more like a refuge for people who have long feared the dentist’s chair. In their practice, the couple is redefining what it means to “go to the dentist” by combining advanced technology, full anesthesia services and a deeply personal, family-centered approach.

“To us, investing in family means creating a home filled with warmth, laughter and emotional safety while being intentional with presence,” says Dr. Rastegar. “Success outside the home means very little if the people inside the home don’t feel supported and seen.”

A different kind of dental visit

From the beginning, the couple’s mission was simple: change how people feel when they sit in a dental chair.

“At our core, we want dentistry to feel safe, calm and human,” says Dr. Rastegar. “There’s no rush, no judgment, just honest conversations and personalized care.” The practice is designed for patients of all ages, including those with dental anxiety, special needs, strong gag reflexes, complex medical histories or a history of traumatic dental experiences.

Becoming parents only deepened the way they approach those vulnerable moments.

“Our family is the foundation of how we care for people,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “Becoming parents reminded us that people aren’t just coming in for a service; they’re placing trust in you during a moment of discomfort.” That perspective shaped an environment built on patience, gentleness and genuine human connection, so people leave feeling cared for and at ease.

Their model blends comprehensive dentistry with in-house anesthesia, allowing patients to complete everything from routine cleanings to complex full-arch smile restorations in one place. The result is an atmosphere where fear and anxiety are replaced by trust, comfort and a sense of genuine care.

Technology in service of families

SoCal Sleep Dentistry is one of the rare practices that offers the full spectrum of anesthesia—from light sedation to hospital-grade general anesthesia—within a private dental office. As a board-certified dentist anesthesiologist, Dr. Kohanchi safely administers IV sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia while Dr. Rastegar focuses on conservative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

“Our technology allows us to give patients faster, safer and more comfortable treatment,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “Everything we’ve invested in is for their benefit.”

That investment shows up in their state-of-the-art equipment. Digital scanners replace messy, gag-inducing molds, capturing precise 3D images of teeth, while 3D imaging (CBCT) supports detailed diagnostics and guided implant surgery. An in-office milling unit makes same-day crowns possible, and a 3D printer allows the team to fabricate nightguards, retainers and surgical guides—often the same day.

For families, this means fewer visits, less time off work or school and the ability to complete significant treatment in a single, carefully managed appointment.

“Balancing parenthood and a career isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment,” says Dr. Rastegar. “When work reflects the same values practiced at home, everything feels more meaningful.”

Services families actually look forward to

Patients who have avoided the dentist for years often find their way to SoCal Sleep Dentistry seeking a fresh start. Popular services include sedation dentistry, preventive cleanings, in-office professional whitening, implants, full-arch restorations, same-day crowns and cosmetic smile makeovers, including veneers. Pediatric sedation dentistry is also a cornerstone of the practice, giving children who struggle in traditional settings a gentle, manageable way to receive care.

Their philosophy is simple: meet patients where they are.

“Whether someone needs a simple cleaning, cosmetic work or a full smile transformation under anesthesia, we meet every patient where they are,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “We guide them through their journey with compassion, honesty and expertise.”

As Dr. Rastegar adds, “Our mission is to help patients regain trust in dentistry and feel proud of their smiles again. We want to create a space where people feel genuinely cared for—where fear dissolves and confidence grows.”

A family caring for families

For Drs. Rastegar and Kohanchi, SoCal Sleep Dentistry is more than a business—it is an extension of their home life.

“We’re raising our children here. We care about this community, and our patients feel that,” says Dr. Rastegar. “We treat every person the way we would treat our own family.” Many patients become like extended family, returning year after year not just for the dentistry, but for the warmth and familiarity they find there.

When they talk about investing in family, they emphasize presence more than anything.

“Life gets busy, but having regular moments where everyone slows down—sharing a Shabbat meal, talking about the day or going on a family walk—gives a sense of connection and belonging,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “It’s less about any single tradition and more about creating space to consistently come back to each other.”

Those values shape the legacy they hope to pass on to their children.

“We hope our children grow up believing kindness and integrity are strengths, not weaknesses,” says Dr. Rastegar. “We want them to see that you can be ambitious and compassionate at the same time—that success isn’t measured by what you earn, but by how people feel around you.” She adds, “If they become adults who make others feel comfortable, respected and cared for, then we know we’ve done something right.”

“In many ways, the office is an extension of home: welcoming, calm and built on trust,” says Dr. Kohanchi. For those who thought they would never feel comfortable at the dentist, SoCal Sleep Dentistry offers something rare: a place where fear fades, confidence grows and every smile is given the time and attention it deserves.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

9:54 pm
April Health • Wellness

HRC Fertility

1220 La Venta Dr #103, Westlake Village, California 91361
Tel: 805-374-1737 | havingbabies.com/
Hours — Monday – Friday
8:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lab Testing: Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
(For same-day results)
Call-Backs:  Monday – Friday
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (or as time permits)
Lab results are usually available by 4:00 p.m. Your coordinator will call with your results. We do our best to reach each patient before leaving for the day.

Our Commitment to Quality Reproductive Care

CLICK HERE: Learn More About HRC Fertility

Photography By Provided

HRC Fertility Westlake Village is quietly transforming heartbreak into hope, one family at a time. In a community where playgrounds, schools and parks are woven into daily life, this clinic stands as a refuge for those who are struggling to build the families they’ve always imagined.

Where Science Meets Heart

At HRC Fertility Westlake Village, reproductive medicine is only part of the story; the rest is about human connection.

“People come to us at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives,” says Dr. Alison Peck, a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist at HRC. “Our job is to pair the best science with genuine compassion so they never feel alone on this journey.” Her colleague, fellow Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist Dr. Roy Handelsman, shares that philosophy.

“We’re not just treating lab results,” says Dr. Handelsman. “We’re caring for people who are carrying enormous hope and often enormous grief at the same time.”

What HRC Fertility Offers

HRC Fertility Westlake Village provides a full spectrum of reproductive care, including diagnostic evaluations, fertility preservation, advanced treatments and third-party reproduction. Among the most popular services are IVF (in vitro fertilization), egg freezing, IUI (intrauterine insemination) and options involving egg donors, sperm donors and gestational surrogates, along with comprehensive male fertility evaluations and hormonal assessments.

“No two patients have the same story, so no two plans should look the same,” Dr. Peck explains. “We tailor every protocol to the individual or couple sitting in front of us.”

Behind the scenes is a state-of-the-art embryology lab and advanced genetic testing that allows the team to manage even the most complex cases. Dr. Handelsman emphasizes that the technology is a means, not an end: “Cutting-edge tools are powerful, but what matters most is how thoughtfully we use them. Every decision comes back to what gives this patient the best chance at the family they dream of.”

A Patient-First Philosophy

What truly sets HRC Fertility apart is its culture of warmth and partnership. Patients often describe feeling “seen” and “supported,” which is no small thing when appointments can involve deeply personal conversations and difficult news.

“Infertility can feel isolating,” says Dr. Peck. “We want our patients to feel that when they walk through our doors, they’re stepping into a space where they are heard, respected and believed.”

That ethos extends to patients from all walks of life, including single parents by choice and those growing families through donor or surrogate assistance.

“Families are created in many different ways, and all of them are valid. Our role is to support that diversity with both excellence and open-hearted acceptance,” notes Dr. Handelsman.

Rooted in the Conejo Valley

For the Conejo Valley community, HRC Fertility Westlake Village is more than a medical office; it is a place where futures are quietly rewritten.

“In an area so rich with families and children, it’s deeply meaningful to help those who are still on their way there,” Dr. Peck says. “Every positive pregnancy test, every birth announcement—we feel honored to be part of that story.”

Ultimately, the team views its work as creating a far-reaching “ripple effect of love,” one family at a time. As Dr. Handelsman reflects, “When a patient sends us a photo of their baby or stops by with a toddler who once existed only as a hope, it’s a reminder of why we do this. We’re helping turn possibility into new beginnings.”

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

10:17 pm
April Health • Wellness

FirstLight Home Care

2655 First Street, Suite 250, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: 805-915-4706 | firstlighthomecare.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Provide exceptional care so that your loved one has the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in the place they call home.

CLICK HERE: Learn More About FirstLight Home Care

Photography By Provided

“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.”  — Psalms 71:9

FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley is built on a simple but powerful belief: Every person deserves to have their best day, every day—especially in their later years. Guided by a deeply rooted “Culture of Care,” President Scot Kuratsu and his team provide non-medical, compassionate support that helps seniors and adults with disabilities remain safe, comfortable and independent in the place they call home.

Serving families throughout Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles—including West Hills and Canoga Park—FirstLight Home Care focuses on one-to-one connection at a time when older adults are increasingly at risk of being overlooked.

“We believe in building connections and bringing people together around a common purpose-driven mission: to help people have their best day, every day, whatever that means to them,” Scot shares. That mission shows up in the small daily moments: a caregiver preparing a favorite meal, a ride to a long-awaited appointment or a quiet conversation that eases loneliness.

FirstLight specializes in non-medical home care, offering a wide spectrum of services tailored to each client’s needs and preferences. Popular offerings include personal care, companion care, transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, memory care and respite care for family caregivers. Whether a loved one needs help with bathing and dressing, a companion to play cards and share stories, or support getting to social activities and medical visits, the goal is the same: to help seniors stay safe, healthy and comfortable in familiar surroundings where they can truly thrive in their golden years.

What sets FirstLight apart is its proactive approach to quality, anchored in what Scot calls “seven touch points” with clients and caregivers. These regular check-ins create real-time feedback loops, ensuring that care plans stay aligned with changing needs and that families feel heard and supported. Rather than waiting for a concern to surface, the team leans in—listening, adjusting and fine-tuning services so clients feel genuinely cared for, not simply “covered.”

That commitment to excellence extends behind the scenes, where caregiver education and professional development take center stage. FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley recently earned the distinguished 2026 Best of Home Care—Leader in Training Award from Activated Insights, a leading workforce and experience platform for post-acute care. This national recognition is reserved for agencies that go above and beyond in training, placing FirstLight among the Top 25% of home care providers participating in the Activated Insights Training program.

To qualify for the Leader in Training Award, FirstLight implemented a robust training initiative that supports continuous learning and growth for its caregiving team. Caregivers demonstrated strong participation in ongoing education, averaging at least eight completed training courses per participating caregiver. For families, this translates into something deeply reassuring: a care team equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate real-world situations with professionalism and heart.

“Being recognized by Activated Insights is a distinct honor that reflects our vision of a world in which all adults may live in comfort, dignity and independence in the place they call home,” Scot says. The award also underscores a philosophy shared by Activated Insights, which believes that investing in education directly supports better experiences and outcomes for clients, caregivers and care teams alike. As CEO Bud Meadows notes, when agencies consistently prioritize learning and development, it strengthens their workforce and the care they provide.

In today’s rapidly changing world—where the aging population is growing and AI technology is transforming many aspects of daily life—FirstLight’s emphasis on genuine human connection feels especially vital. Seniors, Scot notes, are a demographic that is currently underserved and increasingly at risk of being overlooked. By pairing high standards of training with an unwavering focus on person-centered care, FirstLight strives to ensure that older adults are seen, heard and valued—never reduced to a number or a task list.

At its heart, FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley is about dignity: honoring a lifetime of stories while supporting the day-to-day details that make life easier and more joyful. From the first phone call to the ongoing touch points that follow, families find a partner committed to walking alongside them through each stage of the caregiving journey.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

8:13 pm
Health • Wellness January

Method of Beauty

30839 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., CA 91362
Tel: 818-851-9961 | methodofbeauty.com
Hours:
Open: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Select Saturdays by Appointment Only

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Method of Beauty

Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn

Photography By Janet Barnett

At Method of Beauty, the art of looking and feeling your best is elevated through a precise melding of medical expertise and aesthetic finesse. Founded and led by husband-and-wife team Dr. David Chahine and Michele Chahine, PA-C, this Westlake Village practice has quickly become a regional beacon for holistic beauty and wellness.

Dr. David Chahine

Michele launched the brand in 2020 with the ambition to craft a dedicated space where luxury aesthetics meet deeply personalized care. As her clients’ needs expanded, she joined forces with her husband, Dr. David, to bring a more fully integrated medical dimension to the work. Together, they forged a sanctuary where regenerative therapies, natural-beauty enhancements and concierge medicine coexist.

In Westlake Village, the practice marries advanced aesthetic techniques with a wellness-first philosophy. Their mission is simple yet profound: to support each patient’s journey toward vitality, confidence, and lasting wellness.

“We don’t just deliver treatments—we craft an experience that’s as luxe as it is life-altering,” says Dr. David.

What distinguishes Method of Beauty is the full scale of services overseen by a board-certified physician, combined with the artistry of injectables, skin therapies, and longevity protocols.

“We bring medicine’s precision into beauty’s world while preserving a warm, compassionate environment,” Dr. David explains.

For Michele—who grew up in Agoura Hills and now lives in the Conejo Valley—the location is personally meaningful.

“Settling here brought us closer to family and into a community that already felt like home,” she notes.

Michele Chahine, PA-C

Michele brings over a decade of hands-on experience as a master injector and educator, training other providers nationally. Her refined approach ensures each procedure is executed with artistry and respect for each individual’s natural beauty.

In just its first year in the area, the clinic has become deeply embedded in the community, earning trust via personalized care and transformational results. Services span concierge medicine, physician-guided weight management, regenerative therapies, skin science and luxury facials.

“From day one we felt embraced by the local community,” Dr. David reflects. “Walking into a place where people genuinely care about one another has made our work deeply fulfilling.”

At Method of Beauty, patients gain access to a rare integration under one roof: medical oversight, aesthetic refinement, longevity strategies, and wellness shaping—all personalized to the individual. Whether you’re focusing on appearance or inner vitality, the team helps you feel truly confident, inside and out.

Method of Beauty offers a unique destination for those seeking more than a typical med-spa experience. With Dr. David bringing concierge medicine and longevity protocols while Michele applies her master craftsmanship in injectables and aesthetics, the result is a refined journey toward wellness, beauty and confidence. Every element—design, service, outcome—serves one goal: helping patients live beautifully at every stage of life.

Why settle for the ordinary when you can experience the extraordinary? At Method of Beauty, precision, artistry and personal care converge to help you look refreshed, radiant and authentically you.

Sidebar

Mention this article when booking and receive 100 units of Botox for $1,000, buy two syringes of filler and get the third free, and a complimentary weight-loss consultation for new patients. Limited-time offers for Conejo Valley Lifestyle readers.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved