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 Executive Director
Ms. Coen is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She has held various leadership roles, including Executive Director, Board Chair, and Treasurer. Ms.Coen has managed donor relationships and fundraising, as well as media, social media, and community outreach. She has a proven track record of successfully starting non-profits from the ground up and overseeing their growth and development. Ms. Coen has also been instrumental in the evaluation and restructuring of an international non-profit.
Ms. Coen has served as the Executive Director for Smile for a Lifetime since 2019. Prior to this, she founded a non-profit for homeless youth, which she led for over 15 years. Ms. Coen has also held positions as the Director of Missions and Outreach and Supervisor for the Guardian ad Litem program in Gainesville, FL. Specialties Include: Non-profit management, fundraising, budgeting, strategic planning, operations, executive communications, media relations, and crisis communications.
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.
Dr. LarryMoray – Board of Directors
Dr. LarryJ. Moray brings a unique perspective to his practice. His life philosophy has been to enjoy the richness of life’s many experiences, which permeates all his endeavors. Dr. Moray moved to Chapel Hill in 1979, entering a Ph.D. program in neurobiology.
He later completed his dental training at the University of North Carolina(UNC) School of Dentistry and spent one year in a hospital dental residency in Hampton, Virginia. Dr. Moray taught at the VCU/MCV School of Dentistry and managed the hospital dental clinic at MCV Hospitals in Richmond, Virginia, from 1991 to 1994.
Following graduation from his orthodontic residency at UNC in 1997, Dr. Moray opened his first office at Preston Corners. The company has grown tremendously under his guidance. Our team of dental professionals now serves several communities throughout North Carolina.
Dr. Heather Brown – Board of Directors
Dr. Heather Brown is a philanthropist, a business owner, a mentor, an 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 on 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 their strategic vision through mergers 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 are behind its success.
