Women of Influence 2022

WOMEN

OF

INFLUENCE

The women on the following pages have had a remarkable influence on the people around them—their clients, business associates, friends, and communities. These women are in surgery, in front of juries, and caring for their patients. They are entrepreneurs and innovators. And they are educators and mentors. If you are curious about who is creating “what’s next” in Dallas and who will carve a path for the women who will follow their lead, look no further than these Women of Influence.

our team at d is led by women who, by the grace of our wonderful brand, have a powerful megaphone. It allows us to influence for the good, reveal the issues that face our city, and shine a light on people who help make Dallas an even better place to live. We love this city, and we take our responsibility to heart.

When we named this special advertising sec tion, we discussed whether to call it Women of Power or Women of Influence. (Words in our business make for fiery discussions!) We landed on Women of Influence, recalling that wom en have been kept out of the rooms of power

Ofor centuries and yet, through steely will and determination, have managed to influence our world for the better. The pages that follow are sponsored by women who were willing to share their personal stories, struggles, and achieve ments. On behalf of our leadership team—Gillea Allison, president; Noelle LeVeaux, publisher; and myself—we present our first annual assem blage of our city’s Women of Influence.

Christine Allison

CEO, D MAGAZINE PARTNERS

LEFT TO RIGHT: Gillea Allison, Christine Allison, Noelle LeVeaux

A Kristen Algert.................... 100–101

Kelly Ausley-Flores 100–101 Jasmine Avery 100–101

B

WOMEN INFLUENCE

Angie Bain 100–101

P. Lindley Bain 100–101

Angel Berbarie .................. 100–101

Francesca Blackard 108 Hayley Collins Blair 100–101 Sarah Y. Boostrom, M.D. ......... 102 Charla Bradshaw 107 Brynn Bruno 104 Linda L. Burk ............................ 103 Kristiana Butler ................ 100–101

C Sarah Cary ................................. 107 Kristine Castro 104 Claire Y. Chu, M.D. 113 Angelica Rolong Cormier ............................. 100–101 Julie Crawford 107

D Megan Decadi ................... 100–101

Esther R. Donald 100–101 Cathy Dewitt Dunn 98–99

E

Bridget Ellis 104

OF

F Kelly Caperton Fischer 100–101 Diana Friedman 100–101

G Neda Garrett ............................. 107

H Melanie Hafford, M.D. 114 Sylvia Hargrave, M.D. 105

Lauren Harris 107 Laura S. Hayes .......................... 107 Spencer Housewright .............. 107

J Jessica Janicek 107 Taylor Joeckel 107

K

Aimee Pingenot Key ........ 100–101

Dina King .................................. 106

Heather King 107

Camille Kraeplin 104

L

Laura Lawrence, M.D. 113 Karen Lee, M.D. ......................... 113

M Dana Manry 107 Kerry Marzahl 104 Kate Mataya 108

Beth Maultsby................... 100–101 Kelly McClure ........................... 108

Sarah Aminzadeh Milinsky 100–101

Ally Murphy 100–101 Kathryn J. Murphy 100–101

Lindsey Obenhaus 100–101 Michelle May O’Neil 109 P Jessica Perroni 107 Liz Porter 107 Sally Pretorius 107 R

Sam Raza 110 Danielle Reeves 114 Lerrin Reincke 100–101 Rachel Rizzieri 100–101

Melissa Rozas, D.D.S. 115

Katie Flowers Samler 100–101 Jennifer Shannon, M.D. 113 Lauren Shaw 107

Beckie Thomas 115 Mika Thomas, M.D. 113 Tama Tran 111

Lindsey Vanden Eykel 107 W Courtney Harbaugh Walker 107 Chandler Rice Winslow 100–101

Amy Witherite 112

Women of Influence

Cathy DeWitt Dunn

in the early 1980 s, when cathy dunn was seeking professional financial and investment advice, she couldn’t help but notice she was shopping in a male-dominated industry. Advisors were eager to give their advice, but not always as eager to listen to her concerns and questions. “I had always been good with numbers and decided to study finance,” she says. “There needed to be more female financial advisors. Even today, women comprise only 31% of the profes sion.” Dunn’s studies led her to become a financial advisor herself, and she launched Women, Money & Power, a boutique company that helps women take control of their finances. Dunn also became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst to bring clarity to women dealing with financial uncertainties that accompany divorce. This success led to her open the full-service firm, DeWitt & Dunn Financial Services. Today, in addition to providing retirement planning services for her clients, she is the host of the popular DeWitt & Dunn Financial Services Radio Show where she

offers financial advice to listeners with a wide range of investment interests and needs.

Dunn, a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, cites her firm’s independence as one reason for its loyal and growing clientele. “We aren’t owned or influenced by any investments or companies, which means we can look for and offer the best strategies,” she says. “Above all, we listen and provide the individual attention our clients need and deserve. We give people the oppor tunity to pick and choose from different options. Our clients, particularly women, need to consider more than their investable assets. We aren’t here to tell them what they should do, but to educate them about how to achieve their long-term, comprehensive goals. “

Dunn also uses her decades of experience to mentor young women financial advisors. “To break the glass ceiling in this male-dominated industry, you have to love what you do and love taking care of your clients,” she says. “You’ll break through the barrier and be suc cessful if you start there.”

Goranson Bain Ausley

LAW

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Rachel Rizzieri, Sarah Aminzadeh Milinsky, Megan Decadi, Hayley Collins Blair*, Ally Murphy, Kathryn J. Murphy*, P. Lindley Bain*, Lindsey Obenhaus*, Angel Berbarie*, Katie Flowers Samler*, Aimee Pingenot Key*, Esther R. Donald, Chandler Rice Winslow *Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

women lawyers have a strong and impressive presence at Goranson Bain Ausley, beginning with found ing partner Angie Bain, who helped establish the firm in 1987. Of the 36 lawyers at GBA, two-thirds are female, and women account for more than 50% of partners at the firm. In addition, three of the firm’s founding women partners were former judges, and two of GBA’s women lawyers, Diana Friedman and Kathryn Murphy, are recipients of the Sam Emison Award, one of the most coveted awards in family law. Female mentorship at every level is part of the firm’s culture, providing younger women lawyers with the support they need to grow their legal careers.

Dallas 214.513.3293

Plano 972.449.0721 Austin 512.806.1949 gbafamilylaw.com

All the attorneys at GBA work alongside their clients as trusted partners every step of the way, ensuring that families and their futures remain secure. GBA attorneys support and collaborate with each other to bring the best thinking to their cases and achieve the most favorable outcomes possible. They pursue strategic, constructive, and intelligent resolution with every means possible to protect assets and personal relationships. GBA attorney Angel Berbarie says, “We strive to give our clients peace of mind knowing they are being represented by lawyers who have been recognized as being among the most respected, accomplished, and ethical in Texas.”

NOT PICTURED:

Kristen Algert, Kelly Ausley-Flores, Jasmine Avery, Kristiana Butler, Kelly Caperton Fischer, Angelica Rolong Cormier, Angie Bain, Diana Friedman, Beth Maultsby, Lerrin Reincke

Sarah Y. Boostrom, M.D.

sarah boostrom founded colon and rectal surgical Consultants of North Texas and then joined Baylor Scott & White in 2013. She and her team offer comprehensive, compassionate, and multidisciplinary care to patients. Dr. Boostrom is dedicated to using advanced technologies in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of colorectal disorders and dis ease and is experienced in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopy and robotics.

Dr. Boostrom is board certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the American Board of General Surgery. She earned her M.D. from the University of

Health Science Center before completing her residency in general surgery at the Mayo Clinic. She then completed her fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at the Mayo Clinic and subsequently stayed on as faculty before moving to Texas. Dr. Boostrom is the recipient of the Kaare K. Nygaard Excellence in Clinical Research Award as well as the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellow Award. She is a member of many prestigious surgical soci eties, has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and has presented nationally.

is an employee of HealthTexas

&

Network,

member of

&

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY, BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE COLON AND RECTAL SURGICAL CONSULTANTS OF NORTH TEXAS

VANESSA GAVALYA

Linda L. Burk, M.D.

OPHTHALMOLOGY; CEO, DALLAS EYE & EAR

dr. linda l. burk has led a comprehensive, all-women ophthalmology practice for more than 30 years. Her mission? To pro vide her patients with the best vision possible by treating their eyes with the same level of care and attention she would give her own. A board-certified cataract surgeon, she is fellowship trained in cornea and glaucoma and performs corneal transplants and glaucoma implants. Dr. Burk serves as a leader and mentor within her practice and in the local medi cal community. She is a clinical professor of oph thalmology at UT Southwestern Medical School, sharing her knowledge with young surgeons, and is a sought-after international speaker. She also trains high school graduates as a launching point

for a medical career. “Many start as a file clerk and eventually become office managers, nurses, or optometrists,” Dr. Burk says. “I encourage them to reach their potential and show them how hard work pays off.”

Dr. Burk was the third female ophthalmology resident at Duke University—something she achieved with few mentors. “There wasn’t anyone to show me how to balance fam ily, work, and running a business, which is a big part of my purpose at this stage of my career,” she says. “My dream at 14 was to become a doc tor, so I worked hard for 18 years to achieve that goal. I tell young women that just when you think you can’t do it, work harder. Keep your eye on your goals.”

LISA MEANS

Women

Emily’s Place

emily’s place, now celebrating its 20 th year, exemplifies women empowering women. What began two decades ago as a small, nonprofit grassroots organization to help victims of domestic violence has expanded to a growing campus in Plano that houses 64 women and children as they rebuild their lives. Emily’s Place is staffed by nine women—former teachers, social workers, college professors, and accountants— who apply their experience and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of the residents.

Emily’s Place serves a wide range of ages and demographics, but one common denominator is their commitment to thrive after escaping domestic violence. Unlike at other shelters,

residents of Emily’s Place can stay for up to two years and con tinue participating through its graduate program. “This is where women and children go after leaving a shelter,” says Brynn Bruno, executive director. “Our residents are the most vulnerable because they don’t have a traditional support system and don’t know how to build one. We help them create their tool box with financial literacy, job training and placement, childcare, transportation, coun seling, and housing so they have the tools necessary to overcome challenges that could cause them to return to their abuser. Emily’s Place is often the first stability they have. In many ways, this is their family.”

LONG-TERM TRANSFORMATIONAL CARE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

VANESSA GAVALYA

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Kristine Castro, Camille Kraeplin, Bridget Ellis, Brynn Bruno, Kerry Marzahl

Sylvia Hargrave, M.D., F.A.C.S.

OPHTHALMOLOGY, HARGRAVE EYE CENTER

dr. sylvia hargrave leads a thriving ophthalmology practice specializing in complex and routine eye care. She is the director and chief surgeon of the Hargrave Eye Center and serves as chief of ophthalmology at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. She founded the Hargrave Eye Center after a successful career in aca demic medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. While at UT Southwestern, Dr. Hargrave taught advanced cataract surgery and corneal transplantation to both ophthalmology resi dents and cornea Fellows. As a former National Institutes of Health-funded researcher, she spent almost a decade researching ways to improve the long-term survival of corneal transplants. Dr.

Hargrave has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publica tions and presented her work at several national ophthalmic meetings.

As a member of the board of trustees of Methodist Health System Foundation, she helps the foundation fulfill its fiduciary, program matic, and financial responsibilities. Dr. Hargrave is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the Castroviejo Cornea Society, a member of the Texas Medical Association, and a member of the Texas Ophthalmological Association. On a personal note, Dr. Hargrave is happily married; fluent in Swedish; and enjoys exercise, travel, and learning new languages.

ELIZABETH LAVIN

Dina King

OWNER, DINA KING INSURANCE

in 1985 , dina king took a job in insurance while attending Dallas Baptist University studying finance. She didn’t realize her path to owning an insurance agency was on the horizon. King worked in a large insurance agency for 10 years, gaining the confidence and knowledge to successfully open her own agency at age 27. For many years, her agency was open 12 hours a day, so that she could build a large client base in the Preston Hollow and University Park areas. After establishing her large client base, she shifted focus to providing the ultimate expe rience in customer service to differentiate her agency. She knew impeccable service

was a crucial relationship-builder to set herself apart in such a highly competitive market.

King attributes the agency’s success to her staff who have been with her since the beginning. They are well trained and knowledgeable about the complexities of the insurance market. King specializes in auto, home, commercial, life, annuities, 401K, and financial products throughout Texas. She has achieved many awards in her career but has always measured her success by the relationships she builds and the trust she earns. Dina King Insurance has been a staple in Dallas for more than 28 years. King has two children, Presley and Reece, and lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

BRET REDMAN

KoonsFuller

koonsfuller has long been known as a family of all-stars, and within this powerhouse group of attorneys, 16 are women and 10 women are shareholders. With four full-service offices across North Texas and a large number of attorneys who are board-certified in family law, KoonsFuller offers an unmatched level of clout and range of resources. All of the attorneys at KoonsFuller are well respected within the family law community, and the award-winning women attorneys here have a legacy of leadership both within the firm and in the communities they serve.

Shareholder Charla Bradshaw says each case is thoughtfully and strategically assigned,

which female clients appreciate. “In family law, many clients—par ticularly women—often relate more to women lawyers,” she says. “We get creative on how we can help our clients and are sensitive to their unique, individual situations. We prioritize our clients and pair them with attorneys who will achieve the best possible outcome for their case.” The attorneys at KoonsFuller routinely consult with each other and draw upon their own individual experi ences to benefit their clients—no case is too complex. “We understand our clients want to be heard,” Bradshaw says. “We aim to strategi cally tailor our approach to each case to best meet the client’s needs.”

KENT BARKER

LEFT TO RIGHT: Row 1: Heather King*, Charla Bradshaw*, and Liz Porter* | Row 2: Laura S. Hayes*, Sally Pretorius*, Jessica Janicek*, Neda Garrett*, and Julie Crawford* | Row 3: Jessica Perroni*, Courtney Harbaugh Walker, and Dana Manry* | Row 4: Lauren Harris, Lauren Shaw, Lindsey Vanden Eykel, and Taylor Joeckel | Row 5: Sarah Cary and Spenser Housewright *Board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

McClure Law Group

100 % FAMILY LAW

the team at m c clure law group, led by kelly m c clure, CEO and managing partner, Francesca Blackard, managing partner, and Kate Mataya, partner, is comprised of seasoned professionals who are experienced in successfully navigating divorce cases that range from simple and amicable to complex and high conflict. Executives, professional athletes, celebrities, and stay-at-home parents alike find their experience, talent, and compassion invaluable. The McClure Law Group team also includes a CPA attorney and in-house family law appellate counsel, further solidifying their ability to provide informed advice, strategy, and

mcclure-lawgroup.com

recommendations. Renowned for their unconventional thinking, compassion, and interest-based approach, the McClure Law Group team endeavors to help clients attain their goals by protecting family relationships, finances, homes, and businesses. Innovative, cutting-edge, and intelligent—the lawyers who make up McClure Law Group are leaders in and out of the courtroom and are known for their ability to handle any family law matter. Whether a divorce, custody battle, or drafting a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the McClure Law Group relentlessly strives to effectively guide clients through an undeniably difficult time.

MATHEW SHELLEY

LEFT TO RIGHT: Francesca Blackard, Managing Partner; Kate Mataya, Partner; Kelly McClure, CEO and Managing Partner

Michelle May O’Neil

FAMILY LAW & APPELLATE LAW, O’NEIL WYSOCKI FAMILY LAW

anyone in the dallas family law realm knows Michelle O’Neil’s successful results and reputation when it comes to all matters of divorce. O’Neil’s commitment to her field, col leagues, clients, and community is equally as impressive. Her aptly named 1,500-member Hell on Heels mentoring and networking group for women lawyers is rapidly growing, enabling O’Neil to share her knowledge and experience to help other women lawyers rise to the top. “Women have been assuming more powerful roles during the past 50 years, and, unfortunately, have been under the impres sion they need to compete against each oth er,” O’Neil says. “We formed this group for

owlawyers.com

women to be a network of support—we just happen to share a love of shoes.” O’Neil co-founded Hell on Heels because she wanted her next chapter to involve living a life of significance by giving back. “I wanted to pass along the concept that success is not a finite resource,” she says. “Just because one woman is successful doesn’t mean another can’t be.” In addition to leading a busy law practice, O’Neil teaches family law at Baylor Law School and in online free seminars, manages a real estate company with her husband, and oversees social media for their businesses. She also wrote a book, “Wisdom from Momma,” and is a dog mom to five happy Yorkies.

VANESSA GAVALYA

Sam Raza, M.D., F.A.C.C.

CARDIOLOGY, HEARTPLACE BAYLOR PLANO

dr. sam raza is a clinical cardiologist with expertise in advanced cardiac imaging, which includes advanced echo car diography and cardiac CT. Originally from London, England, she earned her medical degree from the esteemed Imperial College School of Medicine in London, where she graduated with distinc tion and honors. After completing her internal medicine residency, she served in a leadership role as chief medical resident. She completed her cardiovascular disease fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center as well as addi tional training in cardiovascular computed tomography (CT) at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Raza has a special interest in preventive

cardiology, diet, lifestyle, and wellness. She uses a patient-centered approach and is passionate about raising awareness about heart disease in women with the American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign. She takes the time to get to know her patients and uses the latest data and patient preferences when determining a course of care. Dr. Raza, frequently named a D Magazine Best Doctor, is active on social media and has been named among the Top Cardiologists to Follow on Twitter. She has published interna tionally, is named among the top influencers at major cardiology conferences, and is often invited to share her expertise at international cardiology conferences.

Tama Tran

OWNER, LILY MED SPA

tama tran works as a nurse practitioner at Lily Med Spa, but her interest in skin rejuvenation began as a child work ing alongside her mother at her small aesthetics shop. Tran became pas sionate about bridging the gap between beauty and health and opened Lily Med Spa on a shoestring budget in a two-room office. Word about Tran’s gorgeous results quickly spread, and she moved to a larger North Dallas location offering comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatments that restore healthy skin and promote a more youthful appearance. If it’s proven and effective, Lily Med Spa excels at it and is among the top injectors in the U.S. “Our secret to success is to provide the best possible care with reasonable pricing while

listening and responding to patients’ needs and desires,” Tran says. “I understand the value of self-care and utilize my experience in blending science, medicine and technology. Lily Med Spa is the fruition of my dream.” Tran understands balance and harmony of the face. “Proportion is important,” she says. “Aesthetics should work together, like an orchestra. With the right treatments, age is just a number.” Tran also trains doctors and nurses on injectables and contributes to promoting the “look good/feel good connection” throughout the community, often volunteering for causes where she can make a measurable impact, such as DIFFA, North Texas Food Bank, and Genesis Women’s Shelter.

VANESSA GAVALYA

Amy Witherite

PERSONAL INJURY LAW; FOUNDER, WITHERITE LAW GROUP

amy witherite is the powerhouse lawyer changing the game in personal injury law across the nation. Founder of Witherite Law Group, she started as a medical malpractice attor ney. As the laws and regulations around medical malpractice law started to shift, Witherite decided that she should pivot her practice and carve out a niche—truck and car wreck law. Now leading one of the largest femaleowned personal injury law firms in the country, Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck, she is blazing a trail and creating innovation in the truck wreck industry.

In addition to her legal expertise, numerous awards, and top-level education as a magna cum

laude graduate of Texas Tech School of Law, Witherite uses her influ ence to make a life-changing impact in the communities she serves. From supporting shelters and food pantries, to providing local students with scholarships, to helping families through the holidays, Witherite supports the Dallas-Fort Worth community in many ways, giving back more than a million dollars annually.

Witherite gives with the intention to fill the gaps that are often overlooked in communities. A true example of how successful people can and should give back to their communities, her ultimate hope is that WLG’s work inspires other corporate leaders to support their communities in meaningful ways.

VANESSA GAVALYA

Claire Y. Chu, M.D.

OPHTHALMOLOGY; PARTNER NEWMAN TAUB & CHU VISION CENTER

as a child, dr. claire chu watched the u.s. President award the National Medal of Science to her father in Washington, D.C. “Seize the day,” her father would tell her. The excitement of publishing research discoveries in top science journals was unparalleled, but she found her true passion in medical school in the field of ophthalmology. She loves integrating the latest technology in microsurgery to help patients enjoy their best vision after cataract surgery. Dr. Chu has dedicated herself to teaching young doctors at UT Southwestern Medical School for more than 10 years. In her spare time, she is an active member of the Junior League of Dallas and volunteers at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and Habitat for Humanity. As she walks in throughout the gardens, she whistles the tune, “I can see clearly now the rain has gone.” Carpe diem.

972.392.2020 | 972.312.9312 eyesurgeonsdallas.com

Dallas-Fort Worth

Fertility Associates

FERTILITY

drs. karen lee, mika thomas, laura lawrence, and jennifer shannon have made it their mission to provide personalized care to each patient and have more than 55 years of collective experience in their field. They go above and beyond for patients to bring them the latest treatment and care. The fertility center is proudly founded on superior IVF success rates, personalized patient care, cutting-edge technology, and affordable treatment costs.

Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates offers a wide range of treatments, from IVF, ICSI, and IUI to pre-implantation genetic testing, egg freezing, and third-party reproductive services. These leading doctors understand that facing infertility can exact a huge emotional and physical toll, and they are dedicated to providing high-quality medical care in a sensitive, caring, and safe environment.

214.363.5965 dallasfertility.com

VANESSA GAVALYA

VANESSA

GAVALYA

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Jennifer Shannon, M.D.; Mika Thomas, M.D.; Karen Lee, M.D.; Laura Lawrence, M.D.

Melanie Hafford, M.D.

BARIATRIC SURGERY, UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER FRISCO

the path to becoming a weight loss surgeon is challenging, but for Dr. Melanie Hafford, one she is proud to have forged. “I always knew I wanted to become a doctor, but it took a while to embrace the idea of being a surgeon,” she says. “I was often told that, as a woman surgeon, I would have to choose between family and career.” Dr. Hafford stayed the course and chose both. Today, she is a mother and the director of bariatric sur gery at UT Southwestern’s Frisco campus. Only 25% of surgeons are women, and 2% are black women—the reason Dr. Hafford uses her platform for community outreach and mentoring. “When I was coming through medical school, it was hard to determine which space you feel like you belong in,” she says. “My hope is for other surgeons to be able to see themselves in my story.”

469.604.9150 utswmed.org/doctors/ melanie-hafford/

Danielle Reeves

OWNER, DALLAS MOBILE PET SPAW

danielle reeves launched dallas mobile pet spaw with her mother one year ago, and business has taken off ever since. “My mother was a pet stylist for 25 years,” she says. “I wanted to start a business that showcased her tal ent while allowing us the opportunity to work together.”

Today, Dallas Mobile Pet Spaw pampers lucky pets through out Uptown Dallas, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, and surrounding areas. “Many services have transitioned to mobile, even hair and make-up,” Reeves says. “People appreciate being at home, and pets feel comfortable see ing their homes right from our van window.” Reeves plans to give back with the launch of a nonprofit, Last Chance Rescue. Her advice to new entrepreneurs? “So many people want to start a business, but it won’t succeed if you don’t have a winning blueprint and implement it from day one.”

214.699.5277 dallasmobilepetspaw.com

VANESSA GAVALYA

VANESSA

Women of Influence

Melissa Rozas, D.D.S.

most coppell families know dr. melissa rozas for excellent pediatric dental care. In practice 25 years, she is honored to watch her patients grow. Dr. Rozas is also known within her field for being a leader and men tor—starting with president of her dental school class. “After residency, I became an active board member and president of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry,” she says. “I was passionate about advocating for laws that give dental access to underserved children.” Dr. Rozas also served as chairman of the Greater Dallas Dental Society where she promotes recruitment and education. “My calling has always been to be more than a mom and den tist,” she says. “Whether I am giving back professionally, at my children’s schools, or within my community, I love being a positive influence. When I commit, I’m all in!”

972.393.9779 rozasdds.com

Beckie Thomas

OWNER, KURT THOMAS GYMNASTICS AND THE FLAIR ACADEMY; VICE PRESIDENT, KURT THOMAS FOUNDATION

when beckie thomas returned to texas from Las Vegas, she never thought she would run two businesses and a foundation. Her career began as professional dancer for Disney, cruise lines, and the Dallas Mavericks and as a dance director for SMU. She made her way to gymnastics after marrying three-time world champion and Olympian, Kurt Thomas. Their passion for the sport and athletes was the catalyst to open Kurt Thomas Gymnastics 26 years ago. After Kurt’s passing in 2020, Beckie has continued his legacy that offers a place for athletes to flourish as gymnasts and young adults. Beckie sets an example each day by serving the gym’s 900-plus families and by pushing the staff and gymnasts to reach their full potential. Beckie also opened The Flair Academy for home-school athletes and the Kurt Thomas Global Education Project with Uganda, Africa.

214.872.4646

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY; OWNER, MELISSA V. ROZAS, D.D.S. DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN & TEENS

VANESSA GAVALYA