We would like to introduce our board president, Dr. Don Montano from Bakersfield, California. Dr. Montano has served as a board member since our inception, and we are grateful for his willingness and desire to serve in the capacity of president upon the retirement of Dr. Ron Redmond.
Dr. Don Montano - Board President and Executive Committee Member
"I decided to become an orthodontist in the seventh grade when I had to prepare a career paper."
The long road to becoming an orthodontist started with Don Montano paying his own way through a junior college, San Bernardino Valley College. After receiving an academic scholarship he transferred to the University of California, Riverside where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology. Next came four years of dental school at the University of California, San Francisco where he graduated with a Bachelor in Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.). He was also honored as a University of California Regent Scholar. To become an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Montano attended the University of Washington in Seattle and received his Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D.). After ten years of college, he was finally Dr. Montano, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Jeff Behan –Board Vice President and Executive Committee Member
Jeff Behan is currently in his 28th year as a marketing communications specialist. He is a frequent speaker at orthodontic meetings where his subject matter focuses on internal/external communication, sales performance, connecting with existing and prospective patients, referral-building and practice branding. Over his career, he has played an integral role in the development of strategy and implementation of marketing campaigns for a diverse array of clients including; Major Public Utility Companies, Intel Corporation and Delta Airlines as well as numerous dental and orthodontic companies including Align Technology, Ormco and OraMetrix. He is the principal member of VisionTrust Communications, providing staff training, customized communications tools and consulting to a wide array of clients throughout the United States, with a primary emphasis on orthodontic practice development, including many of the top practices in North America.
Robin Coen - Board of Directors, Executive Committee Member and National Executive Director
Robin Coen is the National Executive Director for Smile for a Lifetime. She is a recent “empty nester” with nearly 30 years in social services and non-profit management. Robin began her career working in the community mental health and outreach. She has also served a supervisor for court-appointed special advocates (CASA) program. Robin’s work with the CASA Program inspired her to start my own charitable organization. This charity, Teens with Promise helped provide clothing, medical and dental services, school supplies, and holiday gifts to thousands of needy teens during her tenure.
LeeAnn Peniche - Board of Directors
Through innovative, proven and proprietary systems, LeeAnn Peniche has consistently brought smiles to orthodontists for more than 20 years. As the founder and President of Peniche & Associates, she has earned a reputation as one the country's premier orthodontic consultants who specialize in case acceptance, scripting, marketing and practice systemization. Over 2,000 practices have experienced first-hand her creative outlook, years of expertise and proven track record of success
Beth Leach - Board of Directors
I have been working in the orthodontic marketing field for over 20 years and have seen the impact that a healthy, attractive smile can have on people of all ages. The most amazing thing that a smile can do is build confidence in a young person and put them on the road to success in life and I am so thankful to be able to assist in this endeavor. Smile for a lifetime makes the dream of a healthy, attractive smile come true for kids who need a little extra help in life and I think that above all is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Dr. Todd Rankin - Board of Directors
Dr. Todd Rankin received his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina School of Dental Medicine (where he received an award from the American Association of Orthodontists for exceptional research in facial development). He did his graduate work in orthodontics at the University of Connecticut Health Center, where he received a certificate in orthodontics.
Charlene White - Board of Directors
Charlene White’s expertise and depth of knowledge in the orthodontic specialty is world renowned. She has successfully consulted in over 700 orthodontic practices in 26 years, interviewed over 6,000 team members, presented over 300 Continuing Education courses and has written and filmed 18 training products. She consistently hears from program directors, “We are so excited about the turnout for our event.” Charlene is passionate about orthodontics. Her energy and enthusiasm for her clients and teams to succeed is unparalleled. Innovative, hardworking and down-to-earth describe Charlene. As a result of her knowledge and reputation, she is proud to report that she has partnered with Dolphin Management to create the “Charlene White SOS” computer module. Her expertise and training is now available and ready to be installed on your computer to be accessed daily by your team.
Dr. Heather Brown - Board of Directors
Dr. Heather Brown is a philanthropist, a business owner, mentor, educator and a multifaceted woman with a heart for helping others. She is currently the owner of Dr. Heather Brown Orthodontics, a private Orthodontic practice in Houston, TX. Dr. Brown earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Meharry Medical College and her post-doctoral Certificate in Orthodontics from Howard University, where she graduated as Valedictorian of her class.
After completing her residency Dr. Brown began her career in Houston, Texas where she made an enormous impact in the community. In 2012, she founded the Houston Chapter of the Smile For A Lifetime Foundation. Her heart for mentorship led her to start a summer internship program for high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. She has witnessed the fruits of her labor as many of her former interns have been accepted into dental schools and orthodontic residencies throughout the country. Dr. Brown’s most prized achievement was the founding of The Academy of Orthodontic Assistants in 2021. A first of its kind career school in Texas to offer students an opportunity to train to become an orthodontic assistant.
Gregory Ramos - Armstrong Teasdale LLP, Legal Counsel
Greg Ramos has more than 25 years of experience helping companies large and small execute on their strategic vision through merges and acquisitions, strategic business transactions, corporate reorganization, and succession planning.
Greg volunteers his services with Smile for a Lifetime to help underserved youth in a way that will improve their entire lives. The passion and commitment of the Smile for a Lifetime leadership and organization is behind its success.