MEET DEMETRIUS GRAY, Dad to Naveyah (12), Demetrius (10), and Ava (4). Demetrius is the office manager at Refresh Dental – Middleburg Heights in Northeast Ohio Region.

What would you like your kids to remember about you?

One thing I would like them to remember is that I’m the “FUN” parent. We always try to seek something new to do together – either going to different parks, beaches, indoor entertainment centers, or road trips. I want them to remember the times we cooked food together, decorated Christmas trees, dressed up for Halloween, every special occasion, and holiday. I want to be sure my kids remember that no matter what circumstances life throws at us, has thrown at us, or will throw at us in the future that I will be front and center to make sure we get through them together and that they are the most important people in my life. I want to make sure they remember the great conversations we had that has given them the knowledge they can use throughout life. Lastly, I want to be sure that they remember that their dad is hard working and fun and that I love them more than anything.

GET TO KNOW BRETT DELOACH, Dad to Layla (7) and Skylar (4). Brett is the treatment coordinator at Winning Smiles – Amherst in New York Region 2.

The term “girl dad” has recently gained popularity. What’s it like to be a ‘girl dad’?

Happy to answer that question! I say proudly to people about twice a week that I am “a girl dad” (RIP “Girl Dad” Kobe Bryant). Anyone who knows me knows that my girls are my world. I am blessed with two beautiful girls

that call me “daddy.” The oldest, who is 7, is my biological child and her sister is 4. To be a dad you don’t have to be their biological father. I’m so incredibly proud of the young ladies they are becoming. They have both taught me so much about life. I am truly lucky to have their smiles to help encourage me to do my best daily – whether that’s in life or in the workplace.

CHATTING WITH ELIZABETH (SANDERS) WOHALA, daughter to Dr. J. Clarke Sanders. Elizabeth is a field marketing manager for the NADG Marketing team. Dr. Sanders is an NADG Partner and Group Founder at Stonecreek Dental Group in the Central Ohio Region.

Since you grew up in a dental family, what was it like working with your dad in his practice? How has he helped shaped the person you are today?

It was a fun time! I got to see how he interacted with his team and his patients.

Whenever a patient found out that I was his daughter, they would say – “Is this how he is at home?” I always proudly said – “The way he is with his team and patients is exactly how he is in everyday life and as a father.” He is someone everyone looks up to. He is a leader who truly cares about his team and patients and that is why he is so loved.

He has taught me some of the most important lessons in life – to always have integrity; to give to those in need; to work hard; to be kind; to laugh and be goofy; and, to always try and make the best of every situation.

As hard as he worked, and for as many hours as he put in, he always showed up. He was always there for our family and he and my mom are my biggest cheerleaders. He taught me to never give up. Even when a fire burned down his entire practice many years ago, he taught me that life doesn’t always go as planned but we still stand tall and figure it out while keeping a positive attitude.

He can always see something good in everything and is a role model to not only me but so many others. He is a true leader, a caring friend, a goofball, and the best dad a girl could ask for!

CONNECTING WITH DR. ANTHONY LE, Dad to Paxton (6), Haven (4), Emme (2), and Mason (9 months). Dr. Le is an NADG Partner who practices at Refresh Dental – Rochester in Michigan Region 2.

You have a full house with 4 young children! What do you love most about being a dad?

Being a dad has been a blessing. Seeing them adapt and learn new things astonishes me. I love that they’re dependent upon my wife and I and will be sad when they grow out of that stage and don’t need us anymore. The ever-changing words that they come up with to describe things has been funny to hear. I love how excited they get when I come home with all their bright smiles and open arms. I would not change anything about it. I love being a dad to them!

REMINISCING WITH KIM SLOAN, daughter to Tom Snyder. Kim is an east market HR business partner for NADG’s Human Resources team.

What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned from your Dad?

I love this question because one of my favorite comments is that I’ve learned all my bad habits from my dad. Ha! The life lessons are endless. But I would say the important things that I have learned from my dad are all centered around his work ethic. You give your all, no matter what. It’s not for glory or praise, it’s the right thing to do.

His empathy and compassion. My father would give everything he has to help others. He was a teacher his entire life and as a child with one sibling, I truly thought I had hundreds (of siblings) because anyone that needed anything became my sibling.

But most of all love. This has been the hardest year in my family’s life because my mother died unexpectedly of a heart attack on May 26, 2020. I was blessed enough to see her two days before her death, but this was the day after my parents 57th anniversary. It was so difficult to watch my hero, the man I have always looked to for everything, broken. What I learned was love.

My father has done the best that can be expected with this big life change in losing his soulmate. Since then, he has left his home of 80 years to move closer to my family (and sister’s family) in Florida. I have been blessed by now having him less than five minutes from my home. Now I get to repay him by being his caregiver and enjoy dinner with him every night. Every day we miss my mom. But we speak of the “silver lining” that we now get to see each other every day. I get to help him like he always helped me and to worry as I am sure he did so much about me. He is still my hero. But I get to help him and be his sidekick.

BEING INSPIRED BY NICK VATALARO, dad to Isabella and Anthony. Nick is regional director of operations for the Northeast Ohio Region.

Where do you find inspiration as a single dad?

As we approach Father’s Day, I am experiencing the second holiday as a single father. Thanks to my family, and my children’s mother, it still feels special. To say being a single dad is easy would be a lie. I miss my children every evening when they aren’t with me. The inability to kiss them goodnight and make them breakfast in the morning is a struggle. But it is nothing compared to my sister’s situation.

If you want to talk about an inspiration, I look at my sister, Heather. Being a single parent is difficult regardless of the situation, and I don’t want to downplay that for anyone’s life. However, in my experience, I have witnessed the most difficult of all situations in viewing what my sister went through. Her husband, Joe, my best friend, passed away due to a glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. I went from having a beer with my best friend to helping him do the basics, such as, take a shower. During this time, I watched my sister navigate grief, pain, and most importantly motherhood.

Being a single parent is a challenge for everyone. Yet, watching my sister explain to her son why he needs to say goodbye to his father before hospice picks him up, there is nothing comparable. While I know the example is drastic, I know every day I am striving to be the parent my sister was through those years. Parenting has zero to do with being a father or a mother but has everything to do with the moments you create. I am eternally grateful that I was able to witness the mother and woman my sister became which gave me something to strive for each day.

So, as Father’s Day approaches, I want to celebrate the woman that taught me to be a better man and a better parent regardless of the situation. I’m not surprised to say that my Father’s Day is firmly based upon the mothers and women that shaped my life.

Thanks to these exceptional team members for sharing their stories. And thanks to all the fathers at NADG. You are an inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.

This week, President Biden signed legislation marking June 19 as National Independence Day which formally recognizes Juneteenth as a national holiday. This day marks an important and necessary shift in our country’s rich history, an enduring moment when all people – regardless of skin color or ethnicity – were declared to be free and treated as equal. The U.S. has come a long way over the past 156 years but not without significant racial unrest and civil injustice turmoil that continues to plague our country today.

At NADG, we are committed to embodying the spirit of this day – celebrating inclusiveness, championing diversity, and living empathetically while ardently rejecting all forms of bias, discrimination, and hatred. This is the culture we continue to build.

This culture building effort is being led by our Diversity & Inclusion Committee and involves our entire NADG family. Over the past year, our Committee continue to support Team Members impacted by racial and civil unrest with strong public statements of support and outreach. More recently, the Committee launched five Team Member Resource Groups to offer outlets for discussion and sharing of ideas on diverse issues that might impact the workplace. It is through these efforts we strive to continue creating community and safe spaces for all our NADG family.

The spirit of Juneteenth is alive and well at NADG. Our strength is our culture, and our culture of inclusion is you. Thank you.

For more information, please contact:
Rodney Thomas
Vice President, Clinical Strategy 
Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

 MEET

Rita Carstens Office Manager Sorrento Dental Care Florida Region 3	Linh Pring Hygienist McDonough Center  Family Dentistry Georgia Region 1	Dr. Jung Lee NADG Partner & Dentist Stonewalk Family Dentistry Georgia Region 1

 What is an interesting hobby or talent that you have that someone might not know?

Rita:

I love boating, fishing, and camping. When I “grow-up” I want to be a camp host and travel the United States. I’d like to live in Colorado during the summer months.

Linh:

During the pandemic, I became a crazy ‘plant mama’.

Dr. Lee:

A new hobby for me – learned how to play piano.

What is the proudest moment in your personal life or career?

Rita:

When I married my best friend and when my children and grandchildren were born. Also, seeing my grown children and spouses accomplishing their career goals.

Linh:

It’s always rewarding when I can put smiles on patient’s faces when they overcome their fear of dentistry and that it’s ok to come to the dentist and not have to worry about pain.

 Dr. Lee:

The day I got my dental school acceptance letter, it was a long haul for me.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

Rita:

Rita and her mother.

My Japanese mom raised me to be hard working, dedicated, grateful and appreciate everything that you have. Respect your elders!

Linh:

My heritage has shaped me into the person I am today by being open and understanding of other cultures.

Dr. Lee:

As a 1.5 generation Korean American who immigrated to the U.S. as a child and grew up in the states, my parents never ceased to instill the values of common sense and respecting others. My parents always taught me to treat others as you’d like to be treated, and that hard work always pays off. I try my best to practice that philosophy each day.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

Rita:

On New Year’s Day we make and eat mochi which is a Japanese rice cake.

Lihn’s daughters – Chloe (2) and Brooklyn (6)

Linh:

Yes, every year we love to dress up in traditional dresses (ao dai) and pass out red envelopes with money (li xi) on Lunar New Year.

What does Asian Pacific AMERICAN Heritage Month mean to you?

Rita:

Recognizing different heritages that makes this great nation come together as one. It recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.  My mom came to the United States in 1967 and became a citizen years later so Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is special to me.

Linh:

I think it’s a great opportunity for people to recognize Asian history and culture.

Dr. Lee:

It’s a time of reflection and gratitude. As a matter of fact, we should all celebrate every ethnic heritage every day of the year, and not just one single month. We should value each of our unique cultural heritage with respect and understanding for others. Mutual respect for one another seems to be lacking lately.

Thanks to these exceptional and generous team members for sharing their personal stories and letting us get to know them a little better.

Moms….you’re doing a GREAT JOB!

In honor of Mother’s Day, please join us in celebrating a few of the special “Moms of NADG” as they share personal insights on being a mom.

MEET SARAH STRONG, Mom to Shane (22), Lexi (19) and Chadd (16) and Hygienist at Mandarin Smiles in Florida Region 3

Where do you find inspiration as a single mom?

I draw my inspiration as a single mother from GOD. I am grateful he allowed me to be a mother to three incredible humans, not perfect but perfect for me. Raising children is a challenging task in itself, so being a single parent is not easy. Although the job I face daily is challenging, the rewards are that much more valuable. To see your children, start to mature into independent, successful young adults is the best blessing. I gain support and guidance from a host of sources, my mother, other awesome mothers, male role models, and my church family. When the picture is not perfect, and no one seems to know the answers, that is when I lean on my faith in GOD to guide my steps as a mother. I know my journey as a single mom is not easy, but I would not change it for the world.

GET TO KNOW KIMBERLY NEWBY, Mom to Lakely (1) and Office Manager at Cloudland Dental – Chattanooga Shallowford in the Tennessee Region

The journey to motherhood does not look the same for everyone. What did your journey look like?

My husband and I had tried for several years to start a family but found out after about a year of doctor’s appointments that we were unable to have children on our own. We prayed and prayed that God would allow us to be parents and knew that someway, somehow, he would provide.

At the end of 2018, we knew that God was calling us to pursue domestic adoption (adoption within the US). We knew that adoption was expensive, so we started fundraising which included multiple yard sales generating $500-$6,000 in sales each!

We matched with a birth mother which unfortunately resulted in a very traumatic, failed adoption. Although our hearts were broken, we were able to find comfort knowing that God was still good in the heartache and that he had a larger purpose and plan for our family.  We continued to trust in the Lord.

3 1/2 weeks after our failed adoption we received the call that changed our lives forever! An expectant mother had heard about us through someone sharing our story and wanted us to adopt the baby she was carrying.

Our little blessing was born March 2020. With Lakely, our family is complete, and we thank God daily for his faithfulness and his goodness! We are so undeserving of his blessings!

HELLO GWYN RUTHVEN, Mom to Liam (13) and Grace (10) and Dental Assistant at Eaves Family Dental – Bath in the New York Region

As a mom of school aged children, how did you manage the challenges of working and home schooling during the pandemic?

In the beginning we thought it was going to be for just a little while, right? When I realized that wasn’t the case, I was so thankful to be home with them because I knew they couldn’t have gotten through the rest of the school year without my help.

I returned to work for the summer and realized it was short-lived when I learned that school in the fall would only be two days in person and 3 days virtual. How could I not be home with them on those virtual days when I knew how difficult last year was? Thankfully Eaves Family Dental allowed me to work the days they were in school and be home on the virtual days. This way, I was able to still hold my job and be there for my kids when they needed me. I know how hard my teammates had to work to make-up for my absence. I truly appreciate it. Really managing it came down to doing what needed to be done, one day at a time. Believe me, I wasn’t always positive and chipper. I’m pretty sure my kids thought I was losing it at times. I was also grateful for my husband taking over when needed, especially when the school would sporadically shut down. He is a disabled veteran dealing with his own daily needs. All in all, thank you Lord for getting us this far!

REMINISCING WITH DR. VASANTHI RENGA, Mom to Sravan (29) and Charanya (20) and Doctor at Canton Family Dentistry in Michigan Region 1

When reminiscing about your childhood, what is one of your favorite memories with your mom? What is one of your favorite memories with your own children?

My 80-year old mom, Jambaga, lives in India. I always loved the way she helps people. The best memories that I have with her growing up is watching her always doing things for others. She’s truly a great social worker. Very good in all forms of art. Never can she be idle. A very caring person who is concerned for others well-being. Very helpful and giving, and she taught us to be the same way. She taught us not to complain. Not to whine. To be content in what we have with a grateful heart.

With my own children, I have several special memories but one of my favorites is letting them go parasailing and watching them soar! Now, I’m enjoying watching them as adults pursuing their dreams – My son, Sravan, works for Amazon in Seattle and my daughter, Charanya, is in her third year of pre-med at the University of Michigan.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT ELISE HORNSBY, Mom-to-be and Field Marketing Manager on the Marketing team

As an expectant mother, what are you looking forward to about being a mom for the first time this August?

I am most looking forward to all of our “firsts” together as a family. She’s our first child and the first grandchild (on my mom’s side of the family). I’m so excited to watch my husband become a daddy and our fur baby (Coal) become a big brother. I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays as a family of three this year and look forward to all of her first milestones!

CONNECTING WITH SANYA HATIMI, Mom to Alya (7 months) Hygienist at Alpine Woods Family Dental in the Indiana Region

As a first-time Mom, what are the moments that have made you smile and what advice would you give to a future ‘mom-to-be’?

I am truly blessed to have my Alya. She makes me smile with her cutest little tricks of crawling wherever she is not supposed to and with her funny facial expressions all day long. Despite a tough pregnancy that included multiple ER trips and losing 12 pounds along the way, I can say that she was the best thing that has happened to me. The advice that I would give to a ‘mom-to-be’ is that every pregnancy is different and the fruit of that journey in form of your little one is going to make it ALL WORTH IT. The kid is going to change your life completely, and trust me, for the BETTER.

CHATTING WITH ALEXIS WARNER, Mom to Liam (13), Elena. (11), Annelise (9) and Gabe (3) and Senior Regional Director of Operations for Michigan Regions 1, 2 & 3

NADG recently introduced five Team Resource Groups (TRG’s) as part of our mission to ensure diversity and inclusion in the workplace. What inspired you to lead NADG’s new TRG, “Working Parents Network”?

Leading the new Working Parents Network is an exciting way that we can connect and support as parents. I started my professional career when I was 7 months pregnant in a new field and company. Learning how to lead a team while also learning how to be a mother was challenging. I was so fortunate to work for a leader who demonstrated great work life balance as a working single dad. In addition, I was surrounded by peers who were also seasoned parents. Throughout my career I have been blessed to have the support of the organizations I have worked for as a working parent but the best support I have received has been from my peer group. I can enjoy work life balance caring for my four children.

Thanks to all of these exceptional moms for sharing their stories. And thanks to all of the mothers at NADG. We appreciate your hard work, dedication, and commitment to juggle work and family especially during these trying times. You are an inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.