Guiding Leaders
This leadership development program was created by Stephenie Goddard, executive vice president at Glidewell. Goddard was inspired to develop the program after noticing a shift in dentistry. As of 2019, approximately 50% of dental school graduates are women. Guiding Leaders empowers this new generation of women to become leaders in this profession. This elite training program combines online and classroom courses that cover a range of topics including emotional intelligence, finances and goal setting.
Testimonials
"I am honored that I was chosen to be in the first group of Guiding Leaders. The curriculum is excellent! The instructors are highly qualified and the final objective is what I have always dreamed of for myself: to be a strong leader. I wish all women dentists in the US had the opportunity to be a part of this powerhouse group of dentists."
Paso Robles, California
Huntington, New York
"I'm so happy to be a part of Guiding Leaders. It is an amazing group of women empowering women. The program has been such a gift and a great opportunity for growth and development. Guiding Leaders has undoubtedly influenced all parts of my work and life — in a positive way!"
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Belvidere, Illinois
Meet our 2019-2020 Guiding Leaders
Dr. Susan McMahon
General Dentist
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Susan McMahon, General Dentist
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Author, lecturer and instructor Dr. Susan McMahon is an expert in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, dental care and teeth whitening. She is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and has received Top Dentist awards from Pittsburgh Magazine and the Consumers Research Council of America.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I have always loved that as dentists, we’re able to effectively treat our patients. We have solutions to most dental problems, and we can significantly contribute to their quality of life and make them whole again.”
Dr. danielle Dey
General Dentist
Etna, Ohio
Dr. Danielle Dey, General Dentist
Etna, Ohio
Years Practicing: 6
Dr. Danielle Dey is founder and owner of Modern Elevations Dentistry, a state-of-the-art dental facility that serves patients of all ages. Upon graduation from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Dey was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, where she provided general dentistry services to more than 12,000 soldiers and supported deployments to Africa, Kuwait and Korea. She now delivers comprehensive care through her practice while educating patients about excellent oral health.
What she loves about dentistry:
“My favorite part about dentistry is that it gives me the opportunity to cultivate relationships with my patients on a regular basis. I love that I can utilize my creative and analytical skills and combine them with compassion and service to others.”
dr. ensy atarod
General Dentist
Austin, Texas
Dr. Ensy Atarod, General Dentist
Austin, Texas
Years Practicing: 14
Dr. Ensy Atarod serves patients through the St. David’s Foundation, the largest mobile dental program providing charity care in the nation, where she oversees daily operations and manages a regional dental team. Dr. Atarod was named New Dentist of the Year by the Capital Area Dental Society in 2010, and by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry in 2011.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I love making a difference in the lives of others, and being a dentist allows me to accomplish that by providing health services to the public, including underserved children. I also love that I’m able to utilize my skills overseas on medical mission trips to places such as the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Uganda.”
Dr. Jill Frazier
General Dentist
Missoula, Montana
Dr. Jill Frazier, General Dentist
Missoula, Montana
Years Practicing: 24
Dr. Jill Frazier provides a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry services at Missoula Dental Arts, where she creates beautiful smiles for people throughout the community. Dr. Frazier’s expertise ranges from porcelain veneers, to dental implants, to crowns & bridges.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I love the relationships that I am fortunate to develop through dentistry. I have the opportunity to build long-lasting, quality connections with my patients, whom I’m honored to serve through my practice. I’ve also had the privilege of establishing long-term relationships with my employees, who share my vision and support me in providing quality services to our community.”
Dr. joy poskozim
General Dentist
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Joy Poskozim, General Dentist
Chicago, Illinois
Years Practicing: 19
After working in various dental practices in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Joy Poskozim opened Joyful Dental Care, where she provides services ranging from general dentistry to cosmetic treatment. She also performs mobile care onsite in nursing homes, assisted care facilities and independent living centers, providing treatment to those who can’t come to her practice. She is dedicated to delivering excellent services and long-term solutions that lead to optimal dental health for her patients.
What she loves about dentistry:
“The relationships that I have formed with my patients, staff and caregivers are second to none. I also love that dentistry not only serves a functional purpose but creates an esthetically pleasing outcome – a beautiful smile.”
dr. lan chi le
General Dentist
Dallas, Texas
Dr. Lan Chi Le, General Dentist
Dallas, Texas
Years Practicing: 13
Dr. Lan Chi Le is founder and CEO of ZYGO Dental Group, where she manages 11 practices and oversees approximately 60 employees while providing dental services to residents throughout Texas. In 2016, she partnered with Walmart to open dental clinics inside Walmart Supercenter locations, including six in Dallas-Fort Worth and one in San Antonio. She has built a business designed to make dental care easy, affordable and accessible to all. Dr. Le also participates in health fairs throughout her community, where she provides screenings and educates people on the importance of oral care.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I love that dentistry allows me to restore hope. There are many people who have given up on their oral health, and it’s rewarding to be able to problem-solve with my patients and provide reasonable solutions so that they can regain their self-confidence and improve their lifestyle.”
Dr. Larissa Figari-Goller
General Dentist
Huntington, New York
Dr. Larissa Figari-Goller, General Dentist
Huntington, New York
Years Practicing: 12
Dr. Larissa Figari-Goller is a partner at Huntington Bay Dental, where she is experienced in all phases of cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry. Her goal is to give each patient the best treatment – all under one roof. She has traveled to Nicaragua, Madagascar, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and other locations, providing dental treatment to patients in need.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I love that dentistry is a hybrid of many things, including art, relationships, science and research. I enjoy that it is hands-on, requires me to think outside of the box, and demands that I constantly build upon my education. Even though it can be grueling at times, it brings a smile to my face when I know that I have positively impacted a patient’s life.”
dr. mary Shields
General Dentist
Louisville, Kentucky
Dr. Mary Shields, General Dentist
Louisville, Kentucky
Years Practicing: 8
Dr. Mary Shields owns a private practice in Louisville, Kentucky, focused on family and cosmetic care. She is an associate member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a member of the American Society of Forensic Odontology, where she provides forensic services ranging from the identification of human remains to legal consultations. Dr. Shields is also in the process of finalizing the requirements for board certification by the American Board of Forensic Odontology.
What she loves about dentistry:
“Working in dentistry is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. I have the daily opportunity to invest my time, resources and talents in areas that intrigue me the most, which are general dentistry, forensic dentistry and facial esthetics.”
dr. stacy spizuoco
General Dentist
New York, New York
Dr. Stacy Spizuoco, General Dentist
New York, New York
Years Practicing: 14
Dr. Stacy Spizuoco is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. She works in private practice, serves as a clinical instructor at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and performs charitable work including annual dental missions to underdeveloped countries, as well as local missions such as Give Kids a Smile Day. Dr. Spizuoco is a member of the ADA, the American Association for Women Dentists, and various other dental organizations.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I fell in love with dentistry because it’s a unique combination of art and science that calls for creativity and technical dexterity. Equally as unique are the patients who require practical and personal solutions for their dental needs. Having the ability to bridge this divide by providing esthetic dental solutions is my passion and purpose in life.”
Dr. Nidhi taneja
Pediatric Dentist
Eugene, Oregon
Dr. Nidhi Taneja, Pediatric Dentist
Eugene, Oregon
Years Practicing: 5
Dr. Nidhi Taneja is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Connecticut. She specializes in pediatric dentistry and working with special needs patients. Dr. Taneja has a keen interest in organized dentistry and has a focused her research on behavior management and children with autism.
What she loves about dentistry:
“My favorite part of dentistry is the ability to make an impact on kids in their most formative years. I also enjoy building a connection with families and gaining their trust to create a positive dental experience for a lifetime of good oral health for their children.”
Dr. Sati Khalsa
Pedodontist
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Dr. Sati Khalsa, Pedodontist
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Years Practicing: 13
Dr. Sat Kartar Khalsa completed dental school at New York University. Upon graduation she finished two advanced dental residences, including the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry program at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where she earned a specialty certification in pediatric dentistry. She is living her lifelong dream of providing dental care to amazing kids throughout her Colorado community.
What she loves about dentistry:
“I love that dentistry requires camaraderie and that we’re most successful when we’re working as a team. It’s extremely rewarding to move toward a common cause. I also enjoy taking time to establish genuine rapport with my patients and their families, and the clinical skills that it requires to serve them effectively.”
Dr. Shefali shah
General Dentist
Belvidere, Illinois
Dr. Shefali Shah, General Dentist
Belvidere, Illinois
Years Practicing: 5
Since graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Shefali Shah has been practicing general dentistry and providing comprehensive care to her patients. She is a partner at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, where she provides various types of dental services, such as implant surgeries, cosmetic transformations and Six Month Smiles® orthodontics. When Dr. Shah is not practicing, she often mentors, and has instructed several seminars. Dr. Shah is a member of the ADA and various other dental organizations.
What she loves about dentistry:
“Dentistry is the perfect combination of health and beauty. From a health perspective, I get to alleviate my patient’s pain. Esthetically, I get to improve their smiles. It’s the best of all words.”
Dr. keyla Springe
General Dentist
Paso Robles, California
Dr. Keyla Springe, General Dentist
Paso Robles, California
Years Practicing: 28
Dr. Keyla Springe worked in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as a dentist for almost 10 years before moving to the U.S to open her own practice, Pacific Coast Dentistry. Dr. Springe operates a friendly dental office dedicated to providing patients with the best treatment options. She’s a master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the California Dental Association.
What she loves about dentistry:
“Dentistry means the world to me. I love the relationships I have with my patients. It warms my heart to know they appreciate having me as their dentist. I really strive to pamper them in every way. My patients bring me so much joy. I consider them an extension of my family.”
Dr. Taylor Manalili
Prosthodontist
Irvine, California
Dr. Taylor Manalili, Prosthodontist
Irvine, California
Years Practicing: 4
Dr. Taylor Manalili is the first-ever Glidewell Dental Fellow. Since joining the company in 2018, Dr. Manalili has helped to enhance laboratory protocols, conducted clinical research, and performed advanced restorative work, including implant placement, chairside restorations and full-mouth rehabilitations. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook University, where she also obtained a certificate in prosthodontics. Dr. Manalili serves on the Advance Phase Committee for the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation and has been selected to participate in the Future Leaders in Prosthodontics 9. She lectures nationally and teaches continuing education courses on implant surgery and restorative dentistry.
What she loves about dentistry:
Meet our 2019-2020 Presenters
Guiding Leaders has a team of top industry professionals who provide elite training for our leadership development program. Our presenters come from diverse backgrounds and are some of the most well-respected, successful leaders in their lines of work.
Barbara Hauser
Vital Smarts
Barbara Hauser, Vital Smarts
Barbara Hauser is a certified coach, facilitator and master trainer. She has dedicated her career to helping global leaders achieve growth in their businesses and significance in their professional lives. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, executive coaching, team building and public speaking. Barbara uses a strategic style that encourages leaders to challenge their way of thinking to achieve higher levels of performance. Her keen understanding of communication helps leaders resolve difficult issues, improve relationships and attract the best talent. She is the author of “The Power of Coaching for Teams” and “The Art of Entrepreneurial Living” and has been a successful business coach nationally and internationally for more than two decades.
Britni Aralis
Glidewell
Britini Aralis, Glidewell Dental
Carrie Webber
Carrie Webber, Jameson Dental Management
David Booth
Eloqui
David Booth, Eloqui
Deborah Shames
Eloqui
Deborah Shames, Eloqui
Deborah Shames has a background as an award-winning TV and film director. She founded the only female-owned production company in the San Francisco Bay area, Focal Point Productions, which she operated for 15 years. Deborah is now the co-founder of Eloqui and specializes in working with female executives and leaders, coaching them to identify their strengths and utilize their authentic voice to drive business. She led a prominent business group in Calabasas for 13 years and was honored as “Consultant of the Year” by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Deborah is the author of “Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable, and Fearless Speakers”. She is an active keynote speaker amongst women audiences on a variety of topics including The Power of Persuasion and Own the Room: How Women Create their Own Destinies.
Jo Schaeffer-Crabb
Jo Schaeffer-Crabb is a senior consultant at The Arbinger Institute. Jo has a background in leadership and organizational development, and nearly 15 years of experience in consulting, training, and developing systems for corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. Jo has taught business, management and other courses to a diverse range of individuals from C-suite executives to disadvantaged inner-city youth. Jo shows her audience how to take Arbinger’s powerful principles and make real-world application out of them. Through her vast organizational experience and an authentic ability to be able to establish a connection with people, Jo enables her attendees to clearly see new solutions and opportunities.
Michael Brainard
Brainard Strategy
Michael Brainard, Brainard Strategy
Michael Foster
Id8TE
Michael Foster, Id8TE
Noelle Nitz
Nitz Consulting
Noelle Nitz, Nitz Consulting
Dr. Shawn Andrews
Dr. Shawn Andrews
Vivianne Pacelli, RDA
Glidewell
Vivianne Pacelli, RDA, Glidewell Dental
Meeting Locations
IRVINE, CAlifornia
18551 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 201
Glidewell Clinical Education is a state-of-the-art training, education and demonstration center. Our West Coast facility is conveniently located five minutes away from the John Wayne Airport in Irvine, California; and is centrally situated to local shops, beaches and more. It is the primary meeting location for Guiding Leaders sessions in Southern California.
Louisville, Kentucky
3841 Business Park Drive
Guiding Leaders also meets in the Midwest at Glidewell Clinical Education in Louisville, Kentucky. Newly established in 2018, this facility is a state-of-the-art training, education and demonstration center that is conveniently located just six minutes away from the Louisville International Airport and only 13 minutes away from downtown.