Women in Business 2024

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Anna Guanche, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Inspired by the joy she brings to those that she helps to look and feel better, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, Anna Guanche, MD, founded Bella Skin Institute 18 years ago. Dr. Guanche hosts the Dr. Beauty Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple, where she discusses beauty with some of the most interesting people in the “beauty and entertainment” industry. Dr. Guanche has added new providers to her team to accommodate demand for appointments and has expanded the services she provides to make patients look their best safely.

Working in an industry where innovation is key, Dr. Guanche loves to incorporate new devices, procedures, and products, including her new Miracle Cream™. She is one of the most sought-after dermatologists to appear on local and national television, where she demonstrates the latest procedures to make any person “red-carpet ready.” One of her primary goals is to alleviate pain by using highly advanced equipment and procedures that require little or no downtime. The most popular anti-aging procedure at Bella Skin Institute is the GuancheLift™, a 15-minute filler facelift that she developed. Many of Dr. Guanche’s procedures are highlighted on her website and social media channels to demonstrate how easy and painless it is for people to achieve their desired cosmetic goals. Her book, Seven Days to Sexy, has become a beauty bible, revealing all the secrets, tips, and tricks every person needs for a super-fast transformation into the sexiest, most-gorgeous person they’ve always wanted to be. Voted in as a Los Angeles Magazine Super Doctor by her peers for 11 consecutive years, Dr. Guanche has a second location in Beverly Hills. Follow her on TikTok or IG @annaguanchemd. 23622 Calabasas Rd., #339, Calabasas. 818.225.0117. bellaskininstitute.com. @bellaskininstitute.

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Julia Wong
Interior Designer

Julia Wong is a Los Angeles-based interior designer recognized for her sophisticated and luxurious residential interiors. Julia’s projects have earned her an international reputation for beauty combined with functionality through tech integration. Her work references history, architecture, and fashion.

Julia’s richly layered interiors stimulate her clients’ senses, with sumptuous textures and patterns creating comfortable and elegant spaces. Her stylish interiors and home furnishings have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Traditional Homes, Luxe Magazine, California Homes Magazine, Interiors Magazine, and Aspire, and on E! Entertainment. Julia’s diverse projects range from penthouses at the Ritz Carlton Residences to celebrity homes from coast to coast.

Julia’s most recent brand collaborations include Thermador, Duchateau, Kalista, Brizo, Walker Zanger, Dacor, and Cambria Stone. Raised in London, Julia is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese. She studied design at the Ravens-Bourne School of Art and Design and began her career in fashion under the renowned designer John Galliano. Her international travel and diverse experience in the fashion world served as a foundation for her exquisite-yet-effortless interior design aesthetics fusing European tradition and American culture. Julia’s current projects are in Brentwood, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, New York, and Miami.

“It is very important to listen to the client and understand their lifestyle,” says Julia. “That is my starting point.” 818.223.8886. juliawongdesigns.com. info@juliawongdesigns.com.

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Dana Holden
Director of Marketing and Sales for LCS
Danielle Hastie
CEO of CCI

The Livelle on Mulholland will be a luxury Life Plan community specifically designed for residents age 60+. This beautiful, historic 19-acre location situated next to the Motion Picture and Television Fund community will provide residents nine acres of open space, with walking paths through grassy knolls and along a wooded stream.

Who are the people behind these to-be-built luxury residences? The site has been conceptualized by many talented people, but Danielle Hastie, CEO of California Commercial Investors (CCI) based in Westlake Village, and Dana Holden, director of marketing and sales for Life Care Services (LCS), are two of the driving forces working to bring this exciting community to the Calabasas/Woodland Hills area. Ms. Holden explains, “The Livelle is designed for those who wish to remain in the area while shedding the responsibility of home management and continuing to enjoy all that the area and new community has to offer.” Ms. Hastie adds, “We wanted to build something special in our own backyard that delivers wellness and living well.”

As CEO, Ms. Hastie is responsible for the development of the community, ensuring it meets the highest expectations for luxury living by seniors who appreciate value. With 20 years of experience acquiring, developing, and managing real estate, Ms. Hastie’s goal is to meet the core operating philosophy of CCI by creating an environment where residents can live comfortably and thrive. Ms. Holden leads the marketing and sales staff for the Livelle. She and her staff currently meet with future residents to learn the aspirations for their next living environment. Ms. Holden’s years of collaborating with seniors in the Los Angeles area helps translate their aspirations into reality. 5010 N. Parkway Calabasas, #104. Calabasas. 747.226.5550. thelivelle.com.

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Chris Robertson
Senior Vice President of Planning & Development

For more than 25 years, The Commons at Calabasas has been a beloved community gathering place. Chris Robertson is a key member of the team planning an even better future for this favorite local destination.

As senior vice president of planning and development, Chris manages planning and land use for Caruso, working to ensure that the company’s real estate activity aligns with local regulations, meets community needs, and reflects its commitment to responsible development.

Over her career, Chris has worked in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors and managed a broad range of projects through the local approval process. This gives her the insight to embrace many perspectives and balance multiple interests and objectives. Most recently, Chris oversaw the public engagement and entitlement process for The Commons Lane, which was unanimously approved last year by the planning commission and city council with overwhelming community support. “The Commons Lane is a thoughtful reimagining of The Commons at Calabasas that will ensure The Commons remains vibrant for decades to come—reflecting the priorities we heard in hundreds of conversations with Calabasas residents and other stakeholders throughout the city,” says Chris.

Chris holds a B.A. in English and French from UCLA and a Master of Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. She is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional (LEED AP), and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth in the dependency system. She is also a fourth generation Angeleno and a proud native of the South Bay. The Commons at Calabasas: 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas. 818.637.8922. shopcommons.com.

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Pamela Golchet, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Fellowship-Trained Retina Specialist

Dr. Pamela Golchet, the owner of Visionary Retina Center, brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role as a leading ophthalmologist and retina specialist in Calabasas and the greater San Fernando Valley area. Specializing in vitreo-retinal diseases, Dr. Golchet’s commitment to her patients’ vision and eye health, as related to their overall wellbeing, is evident in every aspect of her practice.

With a foundation built on academic excellence earned at nationally renowned institutions, author of numerous publications, and the recipient of multiple awards, scholarships, and grants, Dr. Golchet’s reputation is well-deserved. Armed with extensive medical knowledge and cutting-edge technology, she is admired for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized treatment plans, earning the trust and respect of her patients and peers. At Visionary Retina Center, Dr. Golchet offers the latest and most-advanced imaging techniques and innovative diagnostic tools as well as technological advancements in therapeutic interventions to ensure thorough assessment and targeted treatment strategies to preserve and improve vision. Her commitment to excellence and her patient-centric approach define her practice ethos.

Dr. Golchet serves as an inspiration and mentor to the next generation of ophthalmologists and aspiring retina specialists, particularly women, in breaking barriers and achieving success. Her leadership and dedication to her craft have elevated the standard of care in today’s fast-paced medical system. Dr. Golchet embodies excellence in both medicine and leadership, exemplifying the essence of Calabasas sophistication. 23622 Calabasas Rd., #145, Calabasas. 818.797.1711. VisionaryRetina.com. @visionaryretinacenter.

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Sayeh Eshraghi, MD
Founder

As a board-certified, internal medicine physician, Sayeh Eshraghi, MD, strives to bring back the art of medicine where the doctor-patient relationship is the pillar of one’s healthcare. She has dual degrees in pharmacy and medicine from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and completed her internal medicine residency in Santa Barbara.

With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Eshraghi is proud to offer a concierge and boutique-style approach to her internal medicine practice. Concierge membership at Calabasas Medical & Aesthetic Center allows 24/7 provider access, unrushed visits, and readily available appointments as well as telemedicine and home visits when appropriate.

In addition to internal medicine services, Dr. Eshraghi provides bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, medical weight-loss services, IV hydration, and regenerative-cell therapies. Medical aesthetic services, which are done by the doctor herself, include Botox and filler injections, non-surgical (liquid) facelifts, anti-aging procedures, medical-grade chemical peels, acne scar treatments, unsightly vein removal, and IPL for skin rejuvenation.

As part of her aesthetic practice, Dr. Eshraghi specializes in skin-tightening procedures using lnMode technology—Morpheus8 microneedling/radio frequency, Face/BodyTite treatments, and in-office, minimally invasive liposuction procedures.

With only a handful of female internal medicine doctors in private practice locally, Dr. Eshraghi is excited to offer her concierge approach to health and beauty. With Dr. Eshraghi, patients can rest assured that they will receive the highest standard of both medical and aesthetic care alike. 23586 Calabasas Rd., #107, Calabasas. 818.858.1182. calabasasmac.com. info@calabasasmac.com.

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Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP
Founder
Andrea Goings, MD
Pediatrician

Experience pediatric care like never before at Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center. This premier concierge pediatric practice prioritizes each child’s health and well-being—offering on-time, personalized, and comprehensive medical services tailored to each family’s unique needs. The team of highly skilled, world-renowned pediatricians are sought after for their up-to-date knowledge and the individualized attention and exceptional care they offer. With over 25 years of pediatric experience, they focus on the “whole” child, including physical and mental wellbeing, nutrition, behavior, and school success. With frequent follow-up and after-hours availability, they are truly dedicated to delivering exceptional care.

The founder of Calabasas Pediatrics, Dr. Tanya Altmann, is a UCLA-trained pediatrician certified in integrative pediatrics, a nationally recognized child health expert, and a best-selling author. Recently joining the team from Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Andrea Goings completed her pediatric training at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Practicing medicine across the country and abroad, Dr. Goings has amassed incredible knowledge in pediatric wellness and provides individualized care for each child. At Calabasas Pediatrics, families also have full access to an amazing lactation and newborn care educator, Polly Gannon, who is sought after for her gentle techniques to help babies feed, sleep, soothe, develop, and thrive. The beautiful, state-of-the art, warm, inviting wellness center was created with each child’s comfort in mind to ensure a positive and stress-free experience for parents and children alike throughout every visit. Families are invited to join Calabasas Pediatrics to discover the difference that concierge care can make. To schedule an interview or a single trial visit at the wellness center or for more information, call their office today. 23586 Calabasas Rd., #107, Calabasas. 818.914.4429. calabasaspeds.com.

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Nariné Babikian
Executive Director

Nariné Babikian, the executive director of The Meadowglade, is a dedicated professional with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare, business development, sales, and marketing. However, what truly sets Nariné apart is her profound belief that mental health lies at the core of our overall well-being and her fervent dedication to driving meaningful change in this critical aspect of human life. At the forefront of The Meadowglade’s team, Nariné’s mission is clear: to be part of a company where she can actively contribute to the community and witness the transformative impact that enhanced mental health services can bring. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in healthcare administration, Nariné possesses a formidable foundation for effecting substantial changes within healthcare systems.

Nariné’s approach goes beyond traditional therapy methods. She focuses on incorporating a variety of therapy modalities to empower clients to lead well-balanced lives. She firmly believes that by embracing diverse therapeutic approaches, individuals can develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate resilience. Nariné envisions mental health services not as a one-size-fits-all solution but as a tailored journey toward holistic well-being. Furthermore, Nariné’s commitment to the community extends beyond her professional endeavors. In her spare time, she actively volunteers and serves others, whether assisting at local shelters or engaging in mental health awareness campaigns. Let’s find inspiration and hope in Nariné’s story, which encourages us to champion mental health and build a society where everyone can thrive.

The Meadowglade is part of the Centered Health network of mental health treatment centers for adolescents and adults. 5231 Maureen Ln., Moorpark. 805.590.0982. centeredhealth.com. themeadowglade.com.

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Valerie Punwar
REALTOR®

Award-winning realtor Valerie Punwar has been a consistent leader in real estate for over 19 years, with a reputation for tenaciously protecting her clients’ interests with uncompromising integrity. One of the top producing agents in the Berkshire Hathaway Calabasas office and recently honored to achieve the Chairman’s Circle Gold Award for 2023 (representing the top three percent of all agents for Berkshire Hathaway globally), Valerie prides herself on successfully representing buyers and sellers throughout Southern California.

A Calabasas resident for over 20 years, Valerie provides a wealth of knowledge about the local area and schools, specializing in marketing properties in Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Agoura, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Moorpark, and West Los Angeles, including Brentwood and Santa Monica. Growing up in Chicago, she brings a strong Midwestern work ethic to her business. Her prior work in high-level TV-media sales took her to jobs from coast to coast, where she developed superior decisive negotiating skills that translate perfectly into real estate.

Despite the market posing several obstacles for buyers and sellers in 2024, the key to Valerie’s success remains her foresight and keeping clients a top priority paired with access to a solid network of trusted professionals—making every transaction as seamless as possible, every step of the way. “In this world of uber-glamourous real estate shows and crazy media headlines, people appreciate getting real, professional, fact-based advice,” says Valerie.

Valerie loves living in Calabasas, where she hikes the many incredible trails, enjoys playing pickleball in Hidden Hills, and can always find a new restaurant to try with family and friends. “I dreamed of moving to California as a child and am so happy to wake up here every day!” says Valerie. DRE#01491245. 23925 Park Sorrento, Calabasas. 818.618.8291. valeriepunwar.com.

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Jennifer Berryhill, NBC-HWC, NASM CPT/CES
Menopause Health and Wellness Coach

Meet Jen, a board-certified health and wellness coach dedicated exclusively to supporting women through the menopausal transition. At Peak Menopause Coaching, Jen helps empower midlife women navigating this transformative process. For those who are confused and disoriented about the changes they’re experiencing during the menopausal years, Jen helps address the unique challenges and opportunities. Her approach is rooted in the principles of holistic wellness to help women discover creative and achievable solutions. Her services also include nutrition and stress-management coaching as well as fitness training for women.

At the heart of Jen’s practice lies a deep commitment to personalized care. Recognizing that no two women experience menopause in quite the same way, she tailors her coaching programs to meet the individual needs of each client. Whether addressing hormonal fluctuations, managing symptoms, or cultivating resilience in the face of change, her guidance is as unique as the women she serves. Jen brings a rare blend of empathy and empowerment to her coaching relationships. She understands the emotions that accompany this life stage—from uncertainty and frustration to liberation and self-discovery—and offers a steady hand to navigate them with grace and confidence. Menopause becomes not just a passage to endure but a revealing journey to embrace with resilience a nd vitality—so much more than just hot flashes and mood swings. Jen’s mission is to help women recognize that their value is not determined by their age.

New clients can book a free consultation through her website and start the climb to peak menopause.
PeakMenopauseCoach.com. @peak_menopause_coach.

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Rhonda Kalasho, DDS
CEO | Founder

Recognized for her innovation and excellence in the dental industry, Dr. Rhonda Kalasho exemplifies what it means to be a trailblazer in both healthcare and entrepreneurship, recently bringing her expertise to the heart of Calabasas.

Dr. Kalasho’s journey into dentistry is marked by her exceptional dedication to her craft. A graduate of the prestigious UCLA School of Dentistry, she further honed her skills by completing a residency at the VA/UCSD Healthcare System in San Diego, making her one of the few dentists to undertake such rigorous post-graduate training. Her expertise spans cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, where she has earned worldwide recognition for her surgical prowess and innovative techniques.

As the CEO and founder of TruGLO Modern Dental, Dr. Kalasho has revolutionized the dental experience since 2018, growing her brand to three locations, including the newest addition in Calabasas. Her mission is to provide a five-star dental service that leverages cutting-edge technology and high-quality care at affordable prices, especially for those without dental insurance. From 5D scanners to AI and robotic technology, her practices are at the forefront of dental advancements.

Dr. Kalasho’s vision extends beyond Calabasas, with plans to expand into Pasadena and Carlsbad in San Diego, promising to elevate dental care standards wherever she goes. But perhaps what truly sets Dr. Kalasho apart is her ability to juggle the demanding roles of a business leader and a devoted mother. Her story is not just one of professional success but also of personal triumph, making her a profound inspiration. 23622 Calabasas Rd., #148, Calabasas. 818.717.7872. glomoderndental.com. @dr.rhondakalasho.

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Stephanie Shanfeld | Shari Huntington
REALTORS®

It is no surprise that Stephanie Shanfeld and Shari Huntington continue to be top producers in real estate year after year. As certified luxury-home specialists, relocation experts, and members of the Million Dollar Guild, Stephanie and Shari make up a dynamic team full of expertise and wisdom. The secret to their success is their unwavering ethics, attention to detail, and ability to shift their strategy in a changing marketplace. They are also known for providing outstanding service to their clients.

The combination of Stephanie’s appraisal background and Shari’s longtime sales career is just one reason they continue to thrive in today’s competitive residential real estate environment. Working as a team, they bring their collaborative energy into each relationship they develop with their buyers and sellers. They also love what they do, and their passion shows. Calabasas is their home base, and they love sharing their pride for the community with potential buyers. They also give back to their Calabasas community through volunteer work.

Stephanie and Shari’s strong negotiation skills give them the advantage even in the most difficult sales. With over 30 years of combined experience, Stephanie and Shari have developed stellar reputations for their hard work and integrity in the industry and pride themselves on getting the job done in the most beneficial manner for their clients. 23647 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas. Stephanie: 818.521.8689. DRE# 01947954 Shari: 818.635.0310. DRE# 01147237. stephanieandshari.com.

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Jenya Brant, MSN, NP
Founder

In the rapidly evolving field of aesthetic medicine where the pursuit of all new things tends to turn into trends, Jenya Brant, MSN, NP, saw a strong need to emphasize what works and gives long-lasting results. Based on this very foundation of anatomy, physiology, and a deep understanding of classic beauty, Evoke Aesthetics was founded 11 years ago. Complicated aesthetic correction cases, also known as “previously botched,” dominated the focus of her practice in the first five years and became invaluable in understanding the benefits and limitations of most nonsurgical treatments, as well as how they behaved over time.

Jenya focuses her practice on advanced anti-aging techniques for the face and neck, utilizing not only traditional technologies and injectables but also providing regenerative treatments such as PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) and PRFM, which she believes are the future of aesthetics and medicine in general. Jenya defines beauty as the interdependence of each facial feature in a delicate state of balance and harmony and is best known for her methodology of enhancing individual beauty and handling the complicated correction cases. Today, patients travel across the United States to seek consultation and corrective treatments with her. Jenya completed her medical education with a Masters degree from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City and has been in practice for 20 years. She received her training and mentorship from several renowned plastic surgeons in New York and Beverly Hills and continues to enrich her technique by keeping up to date on the latest advances. In 2013, she opened her private practice.

Jenya defines success as the freedom to do what you love. She has three young children whom she is raising with her husband in Calabasas. While she admits that life-work balance is an elusive concept, she is thankful for her supportive partner and remembers to always live in the moment. 23622 Calabasas Rd., #144, Calabasas. 310.564.6794. evokemed.com. IG:@jenyabrant_np.

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Milysan Kikos
Principal Designer

Milysan Kikos, principal designer of ME Design Group and mom of four, strikes a perfect balance between spending time with her family and developing thoughtful, bespoke, and aesthetically beautiful luxury interiors for her clients.

Kikos has grown her business by referral only, from one discerning client to another by word of mouth. She’s the secret go-to designer whose name is passed on among high-profile clients such as Emmy and Grammy Award-winning producers, actors, and writers in the entertainment industry, entrusting Kikos with their most sacred spaces.

A graduate from FIDM, Kikos began her journey by way of social media when she became an early adopter of Instagram, building a dedicated following with her account @myhautecloset. Kikos was given on-camera opportunities as a fashion panelist and garnered press in The New York Times, Huffington Post, Mashable, and more, pivoting her social media following into a thriving luxury consignment business.

After her son Ethan was born in 2014, Kikos closed her consignment business and began working with her husband, Eli—who has over 12 years of home remodeling experience—on renovations for their San Fernando Valley fixer-upper. The two quickly found a flow in working side by side creating beautiful interiors with a personal touch. In 2017, Mil and Eli officially partnered to create ME Design Group. Kikos is a living example of how to create harmony throughout her design process, within her partnership, and as a successful working mom. License #1041610. 310.466.0409. medesign.group. info@medesign.group.

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Stacie Shakarian
Owner | Multi-Unit Franchisee

Stacie Shakarian’s transition from her career at General Motors to owning all five Joint Chiropractic clinics in Ventura County highlights her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to providing quality healthcare that is affordable—at $89 a month for four visits.

Her understanding of the value of time as a mother of two daughters at Oaks Christian School aligns well with the The Joint’s walk-in m odel a nd h ow it o perates seven day s a week w ith extended h ours. This model is designed to address a wide range of physical conditions, from acute pain management to chronic issues, emphasizing noninvasive treatments that encourage the body’s natural healing processes. The focus is on delivering personalized care plans that include a consultation, exam, and adjustment—all aimed at achieving optimal outcomes for patients.

Stacie’s belief in the power of local businesses to contribute to community welfare has led her clinics to become more than just places of healing. They are wellness hubs where education empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey. Stacie’s membership in the National Charity League showcases her commitment to community service, while her role as a mother highlights her devotion to her family. She and her husband, Aaron, a chiropractic doctor who manages the clinics, have been happily married for almost 22 years and love being able to provide this valuable service to the community.

The Joint is the largest network of chiropractors, with over 900 locations, 1700 chiropractors, and over 12 million patient visits. 805.837.1903. thejoint.com.

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Mica Krayzman
REALTOR®

Mica Krayzman is an enthusiastic real estate agent with a passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals. She received the Bronze Award in 2023 from Keller Williams Calabasas Realty. She is also licensed in Florida and speaks multiple languages.

As a third-generation real estate agent, born and raised in Los Angeles, Mica possesses an in-depth understanding of the changing real estate market, allowing her to provide valuable insights and guidance to buyers, sellers, and investors. She has developed a strong network of industry professionals and has a keen eye for identifying off-market opportunities. Mica takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs, preferences, and financial situation, tailoring her approach to deliver results that exceed expectations. Whether it’s first-time homebuyers searching for their dream home, a seller aiming to maximize a property’s value, or an investor looking for lucrative opportunities, Mica is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for her clients.

In addition to her expertise in traditional residential real estate, Mica also has extensive experience in commercial real estate, including multifamily, medical office, industrial, manufacturing, and office properties. Her dedication to client satisfaction has resulted in a substantial referral business, with many clients returning for their real estate needs.

When Mica is not assisting clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jerry, and their two young daughters traveling the globe and hosting memorable parties at their home in Calabasas. DRE #01820419. 23975 Park Sorrento, #110, Calabasas. 818.900.9769. micakrayzman.com. mica@micakrayzman.com.

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Maria V. Primushko
Estate Planning Attorney

Maria is the founder of MVP Law Group APC in Woodland Hills. Her practice focuses on assisting families with various legal matters, including estate planning, personal injury, and bankruptcy protection. She obtained her Juris Doctor’s law degree from the University of West Los Angeles after beginning her legal career in St. Petersburg, Russia. She is known for her unapologetic fervor in safeguarding vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly, children, and adults with special needs.

At MVP Law Group, Maria creates customized estate plans for her clients, often including wills, revocable living trusts, and special needs trusts. She is a board director and seasoned speaker at the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce whose personal quest is to educate people about the negative impacts of not having an estate plan in place. She expounds on the importance of renewing an outdated plan (which often presents similar negative impacts) with cases she has personally represented to transmit her message.

When not working, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her family and riding her horses. Her typical response when asked about her profession is that she provides families with peace of mind. Maria openly laments the passive attitude that society has towards estate planning and strives to change that case by case. 6200 Canoga Ave., #202, Woodland Hills. 818.788.7881. MVPLawLA.com. admin@mvplawgroupla.com.

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Jessica Cortez
Accounting Supervisor

Accounting supervisor Jessica Cortez is a process-driven, bilingual, polished professional whose highly respected work ethic and caring nature exemplify the nexus of leadership at Las Virgenes Municipal Water istrict (LVMWD).

A second-generation Mexican immigrant, Jessica grew up in Los Angeles as the youngest of three siblings, where large Sunday dinners, Dodgers and Lakers fandom, and family values instilled in her a love for Southern California and an enthusiasm for embracing challenges. Jessica, a self-proclaimed introverted extrovert, had a shy disposition in her youth but also loved to express energy and joy as a high school cheerleader. Her father’s strong work ethic and mother’s organizational skills influenced her understanding of real-world responsibilities. Following her siblings’ lead, she received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Cal Poly Pomona. Jessica began her career as an external auditor, working throughout California. Ready for more of a challenge, she switched her focus to municipal accounting with the City of Walnut, where she started as a financial analyst and was promoted to finance officer, overseeing the finance division and guiding the budgeting process for the city.

Further developing her personal goals, Jessica accepted her current position at LVMWD, where she also focuses on mentoring and developing her team. She leads by example, embodying respect, thoughtfulness, and empathy, while implementing her guiding principle: “How can I make this easier for you?” Jessica is currently enhancing her expertise by attaining a Certified Fraud Examiner license to aid in uncovering and preventing fraudulent financial activity. Jessica enjoys true crime podcasts, sushi, In N Out, and HIIT workouts, and she loves animals and the beauty of the Conejo Valley. 4232 Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas. 818.251.2128. lvmwd.com. jcortez@lvmwd.com.

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