Join these awesome speakers throughout the event. They come from various working backgrounds and experience and will come with a wide array of thoughts and opinions.
Struggles and failures are not signs of weakness—they are inevitable steps in the journey toward growth. By normalizing these experiences, we empower ourselves and each other to rise stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Dr. Farah Kar is a proud Iranian, Canadian, American orthodontist. She attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry for her DDS and Master of Science degree and Certificate of Orthodontics. She is double-board certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr. Kar has been an Invisalign certified orthodontist since 2014 and an Invisalign Diamond Plus Provider who has treated over 2,000 cases. She enjoys merging her background in fine arts, architecture, and project management with practicing orthodontics efficiently and with flare! Check out Dr. Kar’s Instagram for a snapshot of her life as an orthodontist: @the.ortho.queen
Barbara Baker is a powerhouse of purpose and passion. A Canadian-American and former Miss Tennessee America, she’s a Central Michigan University alum who honed her leadership at The Ritz-Carlton and Target before transforming healthcare operations in Private Equity. Now VP of Operations at Specialty Dental Brands, Barbara drives growth and inspires teams nationwide. Beyond the boardroom, she’s a devoted wife and mother of four (soon to be five), a board member for the American Heart Association, and founder of Healing Out Loud, her postpartum depression platform. Barbara is proof that grace and grit can thrive together in balance.
Discover a practical, repeatable approach to mentoring that empowers your team members to grow in confidence, purpose, and leadership. This inspiring lecture is designed for busy orthodontists who want to build high-performing teams by unlocking the untapped potential within their practices.
Dr. Jessica Backinger is a proud graduate of Kalamazoo College, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, and the Orthodontic Residency Program at Rutgers University. A driven entrepreneur, she has successfully acquired two orthodontic practices and recently expanded her reach by opening an additional satellite location.
In addition to running her growing business, Dr. Backinger shares her expertise in business management, practice acquisition, and team building as a faculty member at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She is passionate about empowering the next generation of dental professionals—especially when it comes to leadership and growth.
Jessica lives in Jackson, Michigan with her husband Douglas and their two children, Sophia and Connor. Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling, reading, and creating some seriously fun TikToks.
This talk explores why orthodontic partnerships sometimes fail, examining both general business pitfalls and challenges unique to orthodontic practices. It also highlights how to navigate partnership dissolutions positively, such as through planned buy-outs or retirements.
Dr. Emily Peppers has been practicing in Flagstaff, Arizona for over 12 years - as a "junior" minority partner right out of school, then as a 50/50 partner, and most recently as a solo owner and doctor. Over those years, she has learned so much about interpersonal relationships in our profession, and about business partnership in particular! She is excited and honored to share that knowledge with you at WIO 2026! When Dr. Peppers is not at the office, you can find her hiking or skiing with her husband and their 3 sons.
Dr. Vanessa Peterson, founder of Synergi Orthodontic Specialists in Rancho Cucamonga, leads a three-doctor, airway-focused private practice. She has overcome a major practice construction defect and five-year lawsuit, a partnership dissolution, the pressure of selling a practice in an emergency, and launching a start-up in a global pandemic—all while raising young children, navigating a child with a malignant brain tumor, and subsequently surviving divorce. Along the way she gained wisdom through trial and error, and anchored herself in faith—authentically failing forward to build a life and practice defined by purpose, resilience, and God’s plan.
Dr. Kelly Morgan is a practicing orthodontist, wife, mother, and employer of 18. She founded Morgan Orthodontics in 2008 and built the initial location from scratch. It has grown to a very successful two location Northern Virginia practice.
Originally from Virginia, Dr. Morgan attended Mary Washington College and then the Harvard School of Dental Medicine for her dental training. Kelly completed her masters in orthodontics residency at the University of Louisville.
Dr. Kelly Morgan purchased her second location in the fall of 2019 and hired a full-time associate the beginning of March 2020…just prior to the COVID pandemic. Because of Kelly’s entrepreneurial spirit, ambition, and drive, she did not let the shutdown waiver her resolve. In fact, she was able to grow Morgan Orthodontics so much that she was named to the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies! She has treated patients of all walks of life, including professional athletes, a Miss Virginia winner, and even a 9-year old Guiness Book of World Records holder for being the youngest patient to have wisdom teeth removed, which was Dr. Morgan’s finding.
Explore how to honor the legacy that built the practice while letting go of outdated norms and creating unified systems, shared standards, and a culture strong enough to carry the practice into its next era.
Dr. Alexandra Chamberlain-Umanoff is a USC-trained, board-certified orthodontist with a passion for cultivating talent, leading high-performing teams, and shaping values-driven cultures. After joining the family practice in 2019, she spearheaded a complete operational overhaul—from integrating advanced digital technology to streamlining workflows to optimizing team engagement. She brings a practical, "lessons-learned" perspective to discussions on topics like practice transitions, team dynamics, and scalable systems. Known for her approachable style and strategic insights, she empowers teams to navigate change while preserving legacy and elevating the patient experience.
Originally, from New York, Eric Lang ironically grew up believing kindness matters, which led him to complete an internship at Walt Disney World. Taking the world-class service lessons he learned from his time at Walt Disney World, Eric paired those with his six degrees in business, education, and medicine to create a career pathway in training the medical community.
Eric joined his wife as the office manager of Lang Orthodontics ten years ago. Since joining the team, the office has doubled in size and has added state of the art technologies. Their team enjoys a family-focused setting where a working mother’s schedule is prioritized, and they all enjoy low turnover. His passion remains in sales and personnel training.
Explore how digital bonding technology can be a game-changer in modern orthodontics - from improved accuracy to a more seamless patient journey. Go beyond the tech to learn how to foster a strong team approach, build a thriving office culture and strengthen your community presence. Discover how to leverage digital tools not just for clinical efficiency, but to convert new patients, align your team, and position your practice as a leader in innovative, patient-centered care.
Dr. Emily Howell is the owner of Howell Orthodontics in Jefferson, Georgia, where she has served her community with passion and purpose since founding her practice in 2007. Dr. Howell graduated summa cum laude with highest honors from the University of Georgia, earning a business degree in Management Information Systems. She later earned her DMD and completed her orthodontic residency at the Medical College of Georgia. In a remarkable blend of service and scholarship, Dr. Howell earned the title of Miss Georgia and competed in the Miss America Pageant, securing over $25,000 in scholarships to fund her dental education.
A dynamic leader and advocate for youth, Dr. Howell continues to inspire others through her platform, “Connecting Character to Careers,” which she promoted during her reign as Miss Georgia. She remains deeply engaged in her local community, where she is an active member of the Jefferson Rotary Club, a mentor, and a frequent speaker at youth and professional events. Her accolades include UGA’s “40 Under 40,” Incisal Edge’s “Top 40 Under 40,” and multiple business and leadership honors from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. A proud wife and mother of two, Dr. Howell also serves on the worship team at The Jefferson Church and brings her characteristic energy, service, and excellence to every role she takes on.
Today, work-life balance plays an integral role in defining your lifestyle. We don't live to work; we work to live! Therefore, time is of the essence.
Dr. Secchi will explain how the CCO System provides unique protocols utilizing a 3-wire sequence and the prestigious GC Ortho/TOMY CCO System self-ligating bracket to improve the efficiency of your clinical practice, and the value of measuring treatment time in minutes rather than visits or months. Dr. Secchi will share several health-span related insights to stimulate you to move toward living your best life!
Dr. Secchi maintains a private practice in Devon, PA. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists.
Dr. Secchi received his DMD, Certificate in Orthodontics, and a Master of Science in Oral Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, same institution where he taught for over 10 years holding the position of Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Director of the Department of Orthodontics.
Dr. Secchi has published in various dental and orthodontic peer review journals in the areas of treatment mechanics and the straight wire appliance. He wrote the chapter “Contemporary Mechanics Using The Straight Wire Appliance” for the last three editions of the Graber/Vanarsdall/Vig orthodontic textbook.
Dr. Secchi received the 2005 David C. Hamilton Orthodontic Research Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Orthodontists (PAO), the 2010 and 2013 Outstanding Teacher Award from the Department of Orthodontics of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Secchi is the founder of the “Complete Clinical Orthodontics System” (CCO System™). He has been providing continuing education for orthodontists in the USA as well as throughout the world for the last 15 years.
Dr. Secchi loves to spend time with his wife and 5 children. He is a passionate photographer and likes people, traveling and sports.
Dr. Kimberly Smith will share how implementing the Pitts21 system can revolutionize your approach to patient care and practice growth. Through the lens of confidence, connection, and efficiency, she’ll discuss how this system enhances results while elevating the patient experience. Dr. Kim will explore how authentic leadership, modern technology, and intentional branding come together to create a practice that not only transforms smiles but inspires trust, loyalty, and team alignment.
Dr. Kimberly Smith is the founder of Smile Suite Orthodontics in Evanston, Illinois, where she blends artistry, science, and innovation through the Pitts21 system. Her patient-centered approach focuses on creating confident smiles while building authentic connections within her community. Dr. Kim is passionate about empowering women in orthodontics and sharing how leadership, technology, and creativity can coexist in a thriving modern practice. Her mission is to help others elevate both their results and their impact.
Dr. Anita Bhavnani shares her journey to aligner confidence with Angel Aligner, highlighting how advanced material science, the A6 mandibular advancement system, and Angel KiD early treatment program enable predictable and efficient outcomes. Through case demonstrations and practical insights, attendees will learn how to expand their clinical range, build trust in their community, and give patients confidence in every smile they create.
Dr. Anita Bhavnani is a board-certified orthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She earned her DMD from Case Western Reserve University and completed her Orthodontic Certificate and Master of Science in Dentistry at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Bhavnani practices in Yorba Linda, California, with extensive experience in comprehensive clear aligner therapy and interdisciplinary care. She lectures on material science, digital treatment planning, and predictable outcomes using Angel Aligner, empowering orthodontists to build confidence in their clinical decisions and patient results.
Nicole McFarlane is the Office Manager of Dunn Orthodontics and a mother of two young boys. Nicole joined the Dunn Orthodontics team in October 2014 as a Scheduling Coordinator and quickly demonstrated her leadership and business acumen. By the summer of 2015, she had accepted the role as Office Manager. Nicole now manages a very busy two-doctor, four-location practice with 25+ employees. Dunn Orthodontics was listed among the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies and the Phoenix Business Journal’s Largest Family-Owned Businesses.
In addition to her duties for Dunn Orthodontics, Nicole is an accomplished consultant and speaker. She is a frequent contributor at Dunn Education events such as the Office Manager Workshop.
Dr. Tara Emerick is a board-certified orthodontist with a deep passion for transforming smiles through precise, personalized care. Her journey from patient to practitioner, inspired by her own experience with braces, led her to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University and complete an orthodontics residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Emerick specializes in modern orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners and advanced braces systems, and is dedicated to delivering exceptional results for patients of all ages in the Carmel area. She balances her professional expertise with a fulfilling family life, bringing a unique, empathetic approach to her practice
Tired of feeling like every clinical day is a race against the clock? From Chaos to Clarity reveals how small, strategic habits by you and your team can streamline your systems, boost team confidence, and create a smoother, more efficient patient experience—without the burnout.
Dr. Matthew Dunn is a board-certified orthodontist with 4 offices in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area. Dr. Dunn attended the University of Michigan for his Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Orthodontics. He is the recipient of both the Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit and the Charley Shultz Resident Scholar Award from the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Dunn is Past-President of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association and currently serves on the AAO’s Council on Communications. Dr. Dunn’s practice, Dunn Orthodontics, was named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies and the Phoenix Business Journal’s list of the Largest Family-Owned Businesses in the Phoenix area.
Dr. Courtney Dunn will share her personal journey of helping her two daughters gain admission to separate Ivy League schools. She will discuss the admissions process, explaining why it can sometimes feel random—and what truly sets applicants apart in a sea of qualified candidates.
Dr. Courtney Dunn is a practicing orthodontist, wife, mother of three, the Founder of Women in Orthodontics® and the Co-Founder of Dunn Orthodontics, a multi-location orthodontic practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Described as smart, ambitious, opinionated and a force of nature, Courtney has won the Milo Hellman Award, served as President of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association and been interviewed by such diverse media sources as National Public Radio (NPR) and Fox News Channel. Dunn Orthodontics was recently named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies and the Phoenix Business Journal’s list of the Largest Family-Owned Businesses in the Phoenix area.
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