On April 28, eight graduates, dating back to the early 2000s, shared deeply personal accounts of recovery that spotlighted both their resilience and the incredible impact of The Phoenix Center, Greenville County’s local provider of substance use disorder services.

Formerly known as The Transformation Breakfast, the annual event took a year to plan and execute — and it featured a record number of testimonials.

Emcee Belinda Speaks, a graduate and former employee who’s now a certified Peer Support Specialist and Addictions Counselor, set the tone.

“She’s the ‘matriarch of our program,’” said Community Engagement and Fundraising Liaison Sophie Finnell. “She shaped the stories of so many that came after her.”

The luncheon took place at The 405, and every detail — from the new lotus flower logo, symbolizing rebirth, to the food — exemplified the local nonprofit’s mission and reach.

Catering was provided by Jasmine Kitchen, an extension of Jasmine Road, which offers similar services for local women.

There were 330 attendees, most importantly, the speakers’ families.

“Some of the people who had poured so much into them were hearing things they’d never heard,” Finnell said.

“One graduate experienced a recurrence in their use following treatment and questioned whether to include that. Ultimately, they all were honest and raw but incredibly calm and poised.”

Standing before the crowd as family anchors, working professionals and community builders, the graduates spoke of lives rebuilt with purpose, stability and strength and inspired everyone who came for the celebration.

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Before SD4V, Navy veteran Joe Kelly was homebound. Since completing the program, he and his dog Shylo go everywhere together, and he now serves as a veteran advocate.

“I left my house twice a year, when I had to get bloodwork done for the VA. Then a picture of a puppy in a pumpkin bandana got me off the couch,” Kelly said.

The bond between Kelly and Shylo was sealed during eight months of training. Unlike some programs, SD4V does not provide pre-trained service animals. Leaders of the nonprofit say their approach builds stronger teams and lowers costs.

“Our approach isn’t like ‘turnkey’ operations,” Burgess said. “Some train the dog first and then have a vet work with it for about a week. That can cost $25,000 or more, but we can cover everything for under $10,000.”

Veterans pay $99 upon admission and another $99 after the initial phase and are responsible for ongoing care and supplies. When SD4V helps a veteran find a dog, they work with rescue groups and match owners with compatible animals.

Applicants are evaluated on living conditions and experience with dogs, and often, there are follow-up home assessments. SD4V also strongly recommends that each veteran be in therapy through the VA or a private provider.

After initial instruction, veterans complete much of the training themselves and continue beyond graduation. SD4V trainers then help them navigate public places and adjust to noise and crowds. Burgess said many dogs become so in sync with their owners, they perform some tasks without formal training.

“If a person suffers from night terrors or severe sleep disruption, a dog might pick up on that stress and wake them,” Burgess said. Kelly added that Shylo has even offered “cover,” ensuring no one stands behind him.

James Ault, now SD4V’s director of training, said he was suicidal 10 years ago. After rescuing his dog Elsa and completing the program, he began training other veterans in 2020, and since then, he has worked with more than 130 graduates. He also enjoys traveling and public speaking.

Founded by Navy veteran Bill Brightman, SD4V has operated for 15 years and graduated more than 200 veterans and their dogs. Still, Burgess said there is more work to do.

“There are about 300,000 vets in our area. The VA says 7 percent of all vets deal with PTSD — that’s over 20,000 people,” Burgess said. “One of our vets said it best: the program is saving a soul on both ends of the leash.”

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With a portfolio that spans healthcare campuses, houses of worship, university facilities, and international airports, Mavin is quietly assembling one of the most deliberate talent pipelines in the Upstate.

The evidence is in the numbers: 10 promotions, five newly created roles, and nine new team members — all in a single season of expansion.

But the story is better understood through the people behind those figures.

A cornerstone promotion

At the center of Mavin’s talent story is Lindsay Koeper, who has been promoted from Senior Project Manager to Director of Construction.

Koeper brings 15 years of industry experience along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering — both earned at Clemson University — plus an MBA.

Koeper was instrumental in establishing Mavin’s healthcare studio, a dedicated line of business serving clients that include AnMed and Prisma Health, that demands a rare combination of clinical sensitivity, regulatory fluency, and construction precision.

She remains focused on deepening and expanding the healthcare studio — positioning Mavin as a specialist, not simply a generalist, in one of the most demanding sectors of the built environment.

“We’re all about building depth and leadership to support our growing portfolio of projects,” says DJ Doherty, partner, Mavin Construction.

Koeper’s trajectory at Mavin is emblematic of the company’s broader philosophy: identify talent, invest in it deliberately, and create the conditions for people to rise into roles that did not exist until they were ready to fill them.

A team in motion

Koeper’s promotion is one thread in a larger tapestry of organizational investment. Across disciplines — construction, engineering, technology, project management, marketing, and customer service — Mavin has added expertise at every level, reinforcing an internal culture where advancement is expected, not exception.

The projects driving this expansion reflect the company’s reach. From the Earle Street Baptist Church and Fellowship Greenville campuses to Furman University and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Mavin’s footprint now spans some of the region’s most visible and technically demanding builds.

The Mavin Way

Investing in people is not a strategy at Mavin, it is a founding value. To ensure that value is embedded consistently across an organization now operating from offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and Kingsport, Tennessee, Mavin has brought on a Director of Marketing, Mary Beth Thomas.

Thomas arrives with over 15 years of experience, and her hire reflects a recognition that as Mavin’s project portfolio deepens, the story of who Mavin is, and how they build, deserves to be told with the same care applied to the buildings themselves.

The vision

“We have always believed that the best buildings come from the best relationships. Watching this team grow, in their craft and in their leadership, is exactly what Mavin is built to do,” says Todd Malo, partner, Mavin Construction.

For Mavin Construction, the buildings they deliver are a reflection of the team behind them. As that team deepens, so does the confidence that the work ahead will be their best yet.

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“This center aligns directly with the college’s mission,” said Kelvin Byrd, chief economic development officer at Greenville Tech. “We’re talking about a hub for advanced manufacturing and a hub for students to learn.”

The center represents a significant investment designed to meet the evolving needs of Upstate employers, reinforcing Greenville Tech’s role as a pipeline for skilled workers while expanding access to technical education.

A Workforce-Driven Vision

Regional employers and industry partners helped shape the center’s development, ensuring programs reflect current workforce needs. By aligning education with employer expectations, the college equips graduates with applied technical skills companies are actively seeking.

A Direct Pathway from Classroom to Career

At the core of the new center is immersive learning — an essential approach to success in welding and related fields.

“Hands-on training in welding is everything,” said Casey Ross, Greenville Tech’s academic program director for welding.

The facility will offer expanded lab space, modernized equipment and training environments that mirror industrial settings. Welding Department Head Terrance Shearn said graduates will be workforce-ready from day one.

“They’ll be able to go into the industry right after graduation and start working with little to no additional training needed,” Shearn said.

Expanding Reach and Career Pathways

The center will expand Greenville Tech’s reach for students pursuing careers in welding and advanced manufacturing. Space constraints have limited enrollment, but the new facility increases the college’s footprint and infrastructure.

“We look forward to offering the first AI-powered welding lab in the nation while doubling enrollment to meet industry demand,” said Greenville Tech President Dr. Larry Miller. “Highly skilled graduates will be ready to work for companies including Fluor, Vermeer MV Solutions, Lockheed Martin, GE Vernova and other leading employers.”

Beyond Welding: Advanced Technologies and Innovation

While welding remains the core focus, the center will support a broader range of advanced manufacturing skills, including non-destructive testing (NDT), robotic welding and automation technologies now standard across production environments.

By bringing these technologies together, the college is positioning students to compete in a sector shaped by automation, precision inspection and other modern practices.

“This facility will allow us to offer advanced technology that no other facility is offering at this time in this region,” Byrd said.

A Transformative Step for the Upstate

Many see the center as a milestone for the community. College officials expect it to strengthen ties with local industry and support continued regional growth.

Combining industry-aligned curriculum, applied training and advanced technology, Greenville Tech will prepare students for immediate employment and long-term careers in a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.

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The public is invited to help GCB meet its initial fundraising goal of $100,000. Results of the campaign will be announced at the band’s season-ending concert “Happy Birthday, America!” May 22 at 7 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium at Bob Jones University.

Gifts of $5,000 received before the concert will be recognized on the GCB website, in program publications and on a Founder’s Circle plaque to be displayed at concerts.

Stanley Widener, GCB president, said admission to the finale, as to all the band’s concerts, will be free.

“Our last concert on March 28 at the Kroc Center was standing room only,” he said. “I’m confident that we achieve more revenue and bigger audiences by asking for donations at free concerts than we would by charging admission.”

Widener, who plays clarinet, said the band comprises about 90 musicians of varied age and experience, including percussionist Richard Nelson, a founding member now serving as board vice president. Many are current or former music educators.

“A lot of members played an instrument in high school or college, and instead of putting it down kept with it, even if they weren’t pursuing a music degree or a professional career in music,” Widener said. “I’m encouraged by the number of younger people who have joined the band—sharp, really good young musicians. We’re not just going to fade away.”

GCB has been led since 2017 by Music Director and Principal Conductor Dan Turner, Ed.D. Turner retired in 2019 after a 35-year tenure as director of bands at BJU. Membership, performance quality and concert attendance have grown under Turner’s leadership, Widener said, and both musicians and audiences appreciate the varied and challenging repertoire he selects.

“Greenville Concert Band fills a gap for people who like that style of music,” Widener said. “We thrive on audience reaction and clearly they enjoy our concerts. Many are surprised and pleased when they hear us for the first time.”

Widener said GCB is grateful for the generosity of BJU, which provides space for rehearsals and equipment storage, and the public support that has sustained it for over 50 years.

“This endowment will help assure that an active and thriving community band is always here to contribute to the quality of life in Greenville, making music long after today’s musicians and audience are gone,” he said.

For more information, visit greenvilleconcertband.org

To donate, visit cfgreenville.org/giving/donate (select Greenville Concert Band on the drop down menu).

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If you want to take the test drive on a closed track designed for that purpose, it’s also going to cost you a princely sum. It’s reportedly well worth the thrill, and often leads to a purchase on the spot.

Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Herlong Sotheby’s International Realty notes: “We do not sell Ferraris, or any other luxury vehicles, but we understand and support the documentation required for a test drive. Viewing a luxury home is a similar experience.”

About 15 years ago, Herlong first began advising her high-end seller clients to require Verification of Funds (VOF) or a lender letter of pre-approval, before confirming a showing request. Outside agents initially objected, but now it’s become the norm for homes over $1.5 million in Greater Greenville.

Why?

Herlong explains: “For many of our seller-clients, their most valuable assets are time and privacy.  If you don’t require VOF up front, the seller is agreeing to let unqualified tire-kickers waste their time and invade their privacy. There’s no shortage of people who’d love to take on the aura of wealth by looking at homes beyond their comfort zone, and then posting it on social media.”

Has Herlong ever sold a home that includes a Ferrari?

“I’ve sold many homes that were fully or partially furnished, but have yet to strike a deal that includes a Ferrari.  I’m looking forward to that as a first.”

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Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the small intestine that helps digestion and metabolism. It also helps stimulate insulin secretion. Originally used to treat diabetes, pharmaceuticals containing GLP-1 such as Ozempic and Wegovy are being increasingly used for their weight-loss effects. The GLP-1 hormone helps keep your gut and intestines working correctly and communicates with the part of the brain that creates the full feeling, curbing food cravings.

GLP-1 PRO contains a blend of three probiotic strains found to optimize digestive health, as well as natural ingredients such as Ceylon cinnamon, yerba mate extract, panax ginseng and magnesium. Just two capsules daily with a glass of water can help you see the benefits of GLP-1 for yourself.

Visit garnersnaturallife.com — or one of their two Greenville locations — to learn more.

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“I was 36 weeks pregnant and desperate for a safe place to have my baby,” she said.

Bois turned to the Phoenix Center, Greenville County’s local provider of substance use disorder treatment. There she found a path to recovery — and parenting. Programs offered by the Phoenix Center and The Family Effect extend beyond physical treatment and include assistance with housing, legal matters and job training. For Bois, the residential facility for women and children marked a significant transition.

“Serenity Place saved my life,” Bois said. “It’s unique in that young children can stay there with their mothers. It’s a structured program, dealing with the mother’s addiction and taking steps to heal the whole family.”

Sponsors of The Family Effect get to hear many of those families’ stories each year at the annual Transformation Celebration (formerly known as the Transformation Breakfast), an event coordinated by its graduates. Bois was already attending planning committee meetings when she noticed another group meeting in the facility: The Family Effect Board of Directors. She asked CEO Rebecca Maddox how people become board members, and soon, she became the first person to complete the program and take a seat on the board. On April 28, Bois will also take the stage at the celebration to share how it all happened.

After giving birth, Bois continued to receive treatment while her baby was in foster care. Eventually, she and Grace, now 4, were reunited, and Bois is in school, majoring in psychology and minoring in addiction recovery. Looking to the future, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in human services. Her ultimate goal is to work with mothers in crisis.

“Obviously, it’s a very stigmatized topic — pregnant women and substance abuse. When you’re in active addiction, you don’t know how to be a mom,” Bois said. “I’m happy to talk about the program and show that it really does work. For the women who are still there, I’d like to be their voice and to spread the word about the incredible resources we have in our community.”

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What is Match Day? It’s when med students, those soon to be an M.D., match with one of their chosen residency programs — and the Upstate has lots of residencies. This year it’s March 20th.

Why would a Realtor care? While manufacturing remains the Upstate’s largest industry, health care is our largest employer, and it’s growing faster. We welcome an influx of newly minted M.D.‘s in search of housing every March. Most residents rent — they’re largely compensated by the benefit of EXPERIENCE — but Match Day triggers a domino effect. Doctors seasoned by their residencies and fellowships in the Upstate also start house-hunting as they shift into private practice.

If you’re a typical Upstate seller who assumes you should wait to sell “when my azaleas are in bloom” (in April, for 10 minutes …) you may want to rethink that. Match Day marches us into the spring market.

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When it comes to vacation homes, the contract of sale often includes a separate bill of sale for furnishings. The challenge, says Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Herlong Sotheby’s International Realty, “is that furnishings are not real estate. I’m not a furniture salesmen; it’s not my job to place a value on furniture.”

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For Perkins, leading a team that may repair drywall one day, troubleshoot HVAC systems the next, or clear snow from icy parking lots is a natural fit. “That variety is exactly what drew me to maintenance,” Perkins said. “For 25 years in the fire service, I wanted to help people on their worst day and try to make it better. It’s the same mindset with maintenance.”

Parks will continue serving as Director of Facility Services, focusing on long-term growth initiatives and the development of new service lines.

Perkins’ background in leading teams during critical life-safety situations has prepared him well to guide the Facility Services team as they support clients during urgent needs and help prevent issues through proactive maintenance. Facility Services often serves as the first call when unexpected building challenges arise.

“The addition of this role is the first step in our strategic plan to scale our team and services while investing in our clients’ experience owning and operating their facilities,” Parks said.

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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teen girls spend seven to nine hours per day on screens, excessive use of which has been linked to sleep disturbances, anxiety and decreased physical activity.

Marie McDonald, executive director of Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina, said the program integrates physical activity with opportunities to learn life skills, grow friendships and practice empathy. At the end of the season, each team completes a 5K and a community-impact project together.

“They gain confidence by practicing healthy habits, goal setting, compassion and positive self-talk,” McDonald said. “Our 10-week, evidence-based curriculum builds on itself, learning about yourself and doing things you don’t think you can do.”

Before they know it, girls are ready for the race, a noncompetitive celebration of what they’ve accomplished.

“They can run, walk, roll or push,” McDonald said. “There’s a lot of glitter, bling and tutus. It’s a big dance party. This past fall’s 5K had about 1,300 participants.”

McDonald, who previously worked with survivors of interpersonal violence, said she sees Girls on the Run as preventative work. Forming relationships with teammates and mentors helps girls avoid the isolation and comparison that can lead to risky behaviors.

“Our mission is to inspire girls to be confident and joyful,” McDonald said. “If they have belief in themselves starting at a young age, they can avoid so many problems as they come into adolescence — depression and other mental health issues, bullying, toxic or abusive relationships. They don’t need to seek validation elsewhere.”

GOTR began in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1996 and has been in the Upstate since 2006. It staffs teams at schools and community centers in eight counties. Each year it trains 150-175 volunteer coaches, serving about 1,200 girls with just two full-time employees.

Community Foundation of Greenville awarded Girls on the Run a 2025 capacity building grant, used to partner with contractual services for fund development.

“This additional funding supports access and program quality, especially with such a small staff serving so many girls,” McDonald said. “The capacity building grant allows us to strengthen equity across our sites, stabilizes a small but high-impact organization and supports long-term sustainability.”

Girls on the Run’s signature fundraising event, “Ball for All, a Community Soiree Celebrating Limitless Potential,” will be held 5-8 p.m. April 18 at BridgeWay Station.

For more information, visit gotrupstatesc.org.

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As researchers and scientists work to better understand this disorder, the potential of nutritional supplements has been a major focus. But astute shoppers looking for naturally derived products with clinically proven ingredients — without dangerous additives — often find few options.

The Advanced Cardio Care supplement from Garner’s Natural Life is a comprehensive formulation designed to deliver results. It combines four science-backed ingredients to support heart, vascular and metabolic function:

• BergaMonte® bergamot orange fruit extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds that are believed to have lipid-lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• ViNitrox® grape whole plant extract drives nitric oxide production to enhance vascular function, circulation and blood flow.
• BenfoPure benfotiamine improves glucose utilization to support metabolic and vascular health.
• Cocrysta ubiquinol promotes energy production at the cellular level with the bioactive form of CoQ10.

Advanced Cardio Care also provides antioxidant protection to help reduce oxidative stress and support endothelial healing. Vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free, it also contains no sugar, salt, yeast, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, preservatives or artificial colors and flavors.

Learn more about how Advanced Cardio Care could be your ideal solution for heart health maintenance, athletic performance and overall cardiovascular resilience from the experts at Garner’s Natural Life.

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If nominations are being taken for “State Bug,” punsters may vote for the “palmetto bug” (aka gigantic, revolting roaches) since this is the Palmetto State. But Joan Herlong of Herlong Sotheby’s International Realty would like to put forth the termite.

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