All creatures great & small, Dr. Chris takes care of them all. Pictured here with his own 232 lb Mastiff named Betty and a tiny rescue named Mumford, is Dr. Chris Rispoli.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO., and grew up in several areas of the US, being both an Air Force brat and 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves and National Guard.

Most of my formative years, however, were spent between Newtown, Ct and New Haven, Ct., where I attended grade school and completed my undergraduate BS in Business Administration.  In 1992 I moved to Stillwater, OK., where I completed my veterinary education at Oklahoma State University – GO COWBOYS!!  What an experience (Oklahoma that is!).

In 1997 I graduated and moved to south Florida and bought a home in Wilton Manors, a sub-city within Ft. Lauderdale.  I practiced medicine for 5 years in south Florida until that dreadful and heart breaking day, September 11th, 2001 (also my 38th birthday).  After this traumatic event I reevaluated my life and decided that I was happiest in Oklahoma.  I packed my bags, sold my house and came right back here to all of you and your wonderful warm personalities and way of life

2. When did your love of pets begin?

I don’t know when my love for pets started I just always remember having them from dogs to cats to rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, fish, chickens etc….  I always enjoyed the caring for and upkeep of them.

3. What prompted you to become a Veterinarian and where did you attend college for this?

After undergraduate college I worked for 5 years in the retail business trying to save money to open a pet facility of some sort, since I knew I wasn’t smart enough to be a Veterinarian.  During this time I also matured and realized you can do anything you set your mind to and at age 28 I decided that I was smart enough and started applying to veterinary schools.

4. How would you best describe your connection with pets?

My connection to pets is pretty exciting.  I don’t really know what I do but the animals all seem to trust me. We move slow and lovingly with them and most of them relax and let us work on them.  I think it is a level of trust they have for me because I am not aggressive or try to overpower them.

5. Tell us about your own pets.

My partner Jimmy Shumsky and I have 7 dogs and two cats that live at home with us.  Lele kitty is 19 yo, Lorretta is a crazy 2 year old kitten, then for the dogs there is Chelsea our 16.5 year old Jack Russell Terrier, Avery a 6 yo Rat Terrier, Mickey a 6 y.o. Beagle Terrier Cross, Brook a chunky Pomeranian Chihuahua mix, Connie and Dixie our two 6 pound Chihuahuas and finally the love of my life (aside from Jimmy of course) Betty Louis our 231 pound English Mastiff.  We love them all and the king size bed holds all of us at night including Betty.

6. Tell us about Gentle Care Animal Clinic, your vision for it and how long you have owned it.

Gentle Care Animal Hospital opened on April 16th, 2006. It is located in the NW section of OKC at 17200 N May Avenue Suite 900.  The hospital is different in looks as well as attitude from other veterinary practices.  Our clients are our family and all the animals are treated as if they were our own.  You won’t find an uptight hospital staff here; we are very relaxed and enjoy practicing good medicine while taking care of our clients financial and emotional needs. We make pet ownership affordable and enjoyable not stressful and expensive.   All my clients have my cell number and I am available to them at any time between 7 am and 11 pm every day of the week. My vision is to remain a smaller clinic where I can give great service to my clients and their furry friends.  I would like to add an additional doctor someday but we will have to wait on that for now until we can get into a bigger space.

7. Do you work with any pet rescue organizations?

A large part of my practice is rescue medicine.  This is my way of giving back to the community.  All my rescues only pay cost for services so we can get these strays back to health and into a good and loving forever home.

8. What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do?

Fate directed me to the profession that God must have had in mind for me.  The animals and their love and the love and support of the clients are what keep me passionate and motivated.  The only way to explain it is that I have done this for 15 years now and I still can’t wait to get to work every morning.  That’s worth everything!

9. Any hobbies?

My biggest hobby is my yard and gardens.  I couldn’t tell you the name or origins of the plants but I love watching them grow.  My yard is my therapy and where I get my best thinking done. What makes this hobby great is I can enjoy it with all the animals in the warmer weather.

10. Tell us about where you grew up and about how your childhood influenced who you are today.

I grew up primarily in Newtown Ct. from 10 to early 20’s then back again after undergraduate.  I was brought up in an Italian Roman Catholic household with rather strict parents but very loving.  I was involved in the boy scouts were I became an Eagle Scout, church youth groups and school activities that taught me the importance of treating others as you would want to be treated and how to interact with others in positive ways.

Deb & her wife Lynn have a consulting business for ecommerce websites, as well as some graphic design and various assorted things.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a driven Aries. I love to learn and I am my biggest critic. I love to laugh, dance, and live. I work hard and play harder. I am married to the greatest woman who puts up with me and loves me unconditionally. We have three awesome little dogs that bring much joy to life.

2. How did your work in the LGBT community begin?

My work in the LGBT community began when a friend of a friend ask me to run for a board position with TOHR. He knew I had nonprofit experience and I was active in TOHR, so it seemed a perfect fit. The rest is history. I served on the Board two different times, including being on the Board that completed the opening of the community center.

3. What prompted you to begin doing this work?

I’ve been involved in the nonprofit community for more than 35 years, mostly in the fields of health, mental health, and disability. Additionally, I am a firm believer in equal rights for everyone. I truly believe what matters is heart and soul, not ethnicity, age, ability, gender, or who you love. It seemed a perfect progression to utilize my experience and skills to do what I could to make even a small change in the world. My work in HIV began like many people; I lost too many wonderful friends too early in life. I was lucky to be surrounded by and working with like-minded people. The accomplishments are shared by many- those came before, those who worked beside me, those who lead me, and those who continue the work now.

4. How would you best describe your connection with people?

My connection with people is upfront and honest. I am who I am and I love people for who they are. Thanks to my life experiences, I am blessed with the ability to relate to many different types of people. My Mom always said to put myself in another’s shoes before making any judgments. I try in all my humanity to that every day and in every interaction. We too often project our own baggage and garbage on others when in reality we’re the ones with the issue.

5. What was the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in your work or personal life?

Oh wow, there have been so many! But the one that sticks out happened when I was the Deacon at the Parish Church of St. Jerome. It was a wedding and I was setting the altar for communion. As I went to pour the wine into the chalice, a huge spider (at least in my fear I thought it was huge) dropped into the altar. Now I’m deathly afraid of spiders, so naturally I jumped. Red wine went everywhere. I then proceeded to spend what seemed a lifetime trying to kill the spider with the patten (the little plate for the priest’s host). Suddenly I realized everyone was staring and the altar looked like I had sacrificed something on it. The whole ordeal is on tape!

6. If you could bring one person back into your life, who would it be?

I would like to bring my mother back into my life. She died when I was 36. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t want to tell her something, thank her, or ask her advice.

7. Any hobbies?

Life…really I love experiencing life and new things. I also play guitar and drums, hang with friends, love outdoor activities, and dabble from time to time in photography.

8. Goals for the future both personally and professionally.

I have four chapters of a book written. My goal is to finish it and have it published. It will be controversial as it combines two of my favorite things – religion and vampires. Other than that I’d really like to learn not to be so goal oriented and driven. LOL

9. How has living and working in Oklahoma and now in Arkansas added to your life both personally and professionally?

Tulsa was a great place to grow up. It’s a very artistic town with an amazing community spirit. I learned so much from community volunteers in so many areas. Their dedication and drive continues to inspire me daily. Living in Arkansas has been amazing but only because I live in Eureka Springs. This little haven is truly an amazing place. Sure it has its small town issues, but it really is a community where people have truly learned to live and work and play together. It’s the way the world should be. Who you are is much more important than who you love, or where you work, or the color of your skin. I invite everyone to visit this place.

10. What is the most exciting part of your life (or career)?

The people I meet and have met during my career. This is even true today as I bartend in this little tourist town. People often ask me how being a priest translates to being a bartender. I laugh and say not much different really. I still listen to people’s life issues and spiritual concerns (more often than you can know). I still make certain people get to enjoy life and remain safe. And let’s not forget the bartender’s code of ethics: what you say to your bartender when drinking remains with your bartender! LOL

11. What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do (in any part of your life)?

I’m just a really passionate person. Lynn (my wife) and my friends tell me I’m just a dog with a bone! And I am. I will chew on something and battle for it until I believe my time with it is done. I appreciate all the things those who came before me did to help make life better for me. The way I give thanks is to do the same for those who will come after me. If we all tried to make a small difference just imagine what the world would be. I don’t think I’ve changed the world any but hopefully someone’s life is much better because of the things I have chosen to do in my life.

12. Tell us about where you grew up and about how your childhood influenced who you are today.

I was born in Coffeyville Kansas but moved to Tulsa when I was six or so. I am, in my mind, a Tulsa kid. My father had a great sense of humor, a big heart, and a hot temper. All things I inherited. My mother was sophisticated, smart, patient, and could handle anything with calm and grace. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear I inherited any of those things. My parents made certain I had every opportunity from music lessons to dance lessons and from camping to traveling. They always told me I could do anything I put my mind to and could be anything I wanted to be. I thank them every day for giving me confidence and opportunity. More than anything though, they taught me to love people for who they are. I lost them both too early in life but they live on in me.

Randy Roberts Potts and boyfriend Keaton begin their “Gay Agenda” tour in Oklahoma City in early February.

“The Gay Agenda” is a roving performance piece that uses empty storefronts instead of a stage, featuring Randy Roberts Potts and his partner Keaton inhabiting a makeshift living room and engaging in an array of activities popular among gay couples: reading, checking email, cooking dinner, watching television and more. Viewers, who do not interact directly with Potts and Keaton, can observe with their own eyes the uncensored truth of what lies at the heart of the struggle for equal rights among gay Americans: the desire to live in peace.  “The Gay Agenda” was personally conceptualized by Potts.

The Liberty Education Fund (LEF) has announced it will be the exclusive national not-for-profit partner of Potts project.

“Liberty Education Forum is the exclusive national partner of “The Gay Agenda,” and as such we’re not looking to make this a one-off. This is a project that can — and should — be replicated across the country,” said Gregory T. Angelo, Executive Director of LEF. “The message of equal rights for all is universal, and the more everyday citizens see that gay people are everyday citizens just like them, the closer we come to achieving equal rights for all Americans.”

“The Gay Agenda,” a one-of-a-kind traveling immersive installation that gives curious viewers a glimpse into the lives of gay Americans and highlights what gay individuals are truly seeking: the ability to live their lives in quiet dignity.

“The Gay Agenda” highlights, in a very unique and very real way, the fact that gay Americans are no different from anyone else,” said Potts. “In that sense, Liberty Education Forum is the ideal national partner for this project—their mission to bring a message of gay acceptance to conservatives and people of faith throughout the country is perfectly in line with the goal of “The Gay Agenda.” I’m excited they’re on-board with this project.”

“Oklahoma City is a great location to begin our partnership with Randy and “The Gay Agenda” project,” added Angelo. “It’s a city situated at the heart of heartland America, and the perfect place to start the conversation of acceptance and equality “The Gay Agenda” will promote.

“There are so many individuals and organizations lobbying, protesting, and rallying for equal rights, but no one is expressing the importance of equality to everyday Americans in personal terms like “The Gay Agenda” does. “The Gay Agenda” will bring a message of gay acceptance to people across the country—some who are non-accepting on issues of equality, or ambivalent, or who perhaps have never known or even met a gay person in their lives. “The Gay Agenda” speaks to them, and I’m proud Randy has chosen Liberty Education Forum as the exclusive national partner for this important initiative.”

“The Gay Agenda” is possible only because of the financial backing of individual donors and corporate supporters. Donations in support of “The Gay Agenda” may be made directly through the contributions page on the Liberty Education Forum website at www.libertyeducationforum.org (donors should indicate their contribution is made “In Honor of” Randy Roberts Potts).

“The Gay Agenda” will make its Oklahoma premier Feb. 10-12, 2012 at 7:00pm until Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2:00pm at 1726 NW 16th, OKC on the Plaza District. Additional engagements to be announced shortly; follow the Gay Agenda and the Gayly on Facebook for updated information.

Compiled by Robin Dorner

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. I am just a normal, energetic, fun-loving guy that loves to laugh. Never too serious, and always trying to think in a creative way.

2. How did your career in design begin? I first started designing as a teenager when my sisters were competing in scholarship pageants and I helped my stepmom create their wardrobes.

3. How would you best describe your style? My personal style is a little harder to describe because I like so many styles of clothing. I love tailored menswear and my wardrobe is full of color. I also have an obsession with accessories. The style of my collections is sexy, feminine, and fashion forward.

4. What prompted you to enter being a contestant with Project Runway? The decision was very easy for me because I knew I would never be on a show like Fear Factor or Survivor and eat bugs and whatnot. Just not my thing. Project Runway was the first reality show created that could not only allow me to show my talents, but was a marketing platform to show the world who I was as a designer and what I could do.

5. What was the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on camera? I would probably have to say during the recycled challenge where we had to make a garment out of recycled materials like paper, mylar, bottles, etc. I was really feeling the pressure and stress of the whole competition and was so sleep deprived. I felt I couldn’t think very clear and just made poor and uncreative decisions. Luckily, my garment wasn’t the worst one that challenge and I made it through the elimination.

6. If you could design with one other person, who would it be? (or, if you have done so, how was that experience) If I were able to design with one other person it would definitely be Bob Mackie. His designs are so creative and eye catching and he has worked with so many iconic celebrities.

7. Any hobbies? I love drawing, painting, bowling, singing, fishing, cooking, and hanging with my friends.

8. Goals for the future both personally and professionally. My personal goals are: Buy a house, find my soul-mate (I’m a “realistic” hopeless romantic LOL), get in the best shape of my life, and see my family more. Professionally I will become the the number one affordable brand of womens eveningwear, spread into more department stores, dress more celebrities, spread into other markets such as swimwear and accessories, and have another hit show on television.

9. How has being on Project Runway, Gown Crazy and other TV shows added your already fabulous career? I could never afford to pay for the amount of press and advertisement I have gotten from being on television alongside Heidi Klum, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenburg, etc. They rerun the hell out of my season because it was the highest rated season yet and it has been syndicated all over the world. People know my face, name and focus.

10. What is the most exciting part of your career? Traveling to new places and discovering the people of the world.

11. What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do? Knowing that I can create fashion that not only makes people look beautiful, but feel beautiful as well.

12. Tell us about where you grew up and about how your childhood influenced who you are today. I grew up in a small 700 sq.ft. house in Hendersonville, Tennessee with five sisters and two brothers. My parents worked very hard and instilled in me a strong work ethic, but it was always a challenge to make ends meet for them. They also taught me the importance of education so that I could get a good job. I loved to eat and cook and by the end of my Freshman year of high school I was 310 lbs. Everything is fried in the south. Finally, I had had enough and changed my diet and began working out. Over the years I have lost and maintained over 125 lbs. and will never be big again. My grandmother was the minister of our church and taught me to appreciate the little we had and give to others as much as you can. This is why supporting charities is so important to me and my business.

13. Final thoughts. I moved my design studio and headquarters to OKC a year ago and have been continually building my brand. The Johnathan Kayne shoe line is currently in over 2200 stores throughout the world, and Johnathan Kayne dress collection is in over 200 stores throughout the world. I just finished blogging for LifetimeTV.com on Season 9 of Project Runway and designed a dress for Kate Middleton that was featured on The Today Show.

Johnathan Kayne in Oklahoma City at a charity fundraising event with family and friends. (l to r) Eric Dissell, Teresa Dissell - Johnathan Kayne Special Events Manager, Johnathan Kayne and his sister, Brandi Gillaspie.

 

[box style="rounded"]Johnathan Kayne earned a full scholarship to a college in Tennessee (his home state) where he studied pre-veterinarian medicine. He worked at a veterinary clinic for several years but took a second job as a sketch artist at a pageant boutique in Tennessee. His love of fashion led him to change his major and he transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. In 2002, he won the Critics Choice Award at FIT for evening wear, later graduating magna cum laude from FIT.And here is more about the sensational Johnathan Kayne……[/box]