Dr. Linda Stone & Dr.

Vanna Stone

Gentle Caring Dentistry

It is not an understatement to describe Dr. Linda Stone and her daughter, Dr. Vanna Stone, as the dynamic duo of dentistry. Their personalities and approach to dentistry create an atmosphere in which they strive to give someone a beautiful smile and a great experience at Gentle Caring Dentistry.

Dr. Linda Stone observes that when a person does not smile, others may get the wrong impression about their personality. One of the things she enjoys most about dentistry is “giving someone confidence in their smile.”

Dr. Vanna Stone underscores how women have attained positions and respect in the field. “When I went to dental school, 51% of students in my class were women. My mother only had 10% in her class.” She credits her mother as being her mentor and helping to shape her career. Dr. Vanna Stone enjoys the many aspects dentistry affords. “It’s science and art. It involves problem solving, creativity and hand skills.”

The dentists are devoted to restoring and enhancing a patient’s smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures. Dr. Linda Stone assures patients that Gentle Caring Dentistry uses the best materials available. The dentists treat the gamut of dental concerns including preventative care, cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening. Dr. Vanna Stone emphasizes the importance of preventative care. “It is important to prioritize the quality of your dental health,” she says. “Dental health is huge in the overall scheme of your health.”

201 S. Livingston Avenue, Livingston | 973-994-3112 gentlecaringdentistry.com

Joanna Rolleczek

Jadwig Skin Care, Owner, Master Esthetician and Brow Specialist

At the age of 15, Joanna Rolleczek began providing skincare under her mother’s supervision— the founder of Jadwig Skin Care. After attending Capri Institute of Cosmetology, Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and Studio Makeup Academy in Hollywood, CA, Joanna started working alongside several highly respected physicians, including one of the top dermatologists in New Jersey. While there, she established a nice clientele for herself and eventually outgrew his practice.

“At Jadwig, I take each individual client and look at them as a whole, taking into account their lifestyle, skin goals and expectations,” she says. “I then carry them through a process of skincare, so it’s not just one visit - it becomes a long-lasting relationship that evolves into something greater.

Together, we decide what we’re going to do next to get to the end result.”

She adds, “Everything I do is customized to the individual and to their skin, because everyone’s skin is different.”

Joanna also focuses on educating clients about skincare and health. “Our skin is our canvas and it’s our most important feature,” she says. “It’s also our biggest organ and a reflection of our overall health.”

Her career, she says, brings her immense joy and satisfaction. “No matter what you do, you have to love what you do, and if you love it, you’ll be successful,” she adds.

420 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove 973-239-7070 www.jadwigskincare.com

Kristin Fless, MD

Acting Chair of the Department of Medicine, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

As acting Chair of the Department of Medicine, Kristin Fless, MD oversees clinical, educational, administrative and research activities. She practices in the areas of neurocritical care, internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and sleep medicine. Dr. Fless began her career at Cooperman Barnabas in the Critical Care Division, a division that treats severe medical issues including stroke, seizures, post-op surgical care and respiratory or heart failure.

Dr. Fless was drawn to this specialty because “we have the chance to intervene and in effect provide a good outcome for patients. It’s seeing physiology in action.” She is an advocate of compassionate caregiving, which she defines as being able to see the patient as a whole person. Dr. Fless recognizes the need for comprehensive and compassionate care when patients are in a hospital setting. “We’re trained to treat the entire patient, not just their disease.” Compassionate care encompasses more than treating their medical needs. “Listening is a component of compassionate caregiving and may include addressing a patient’s spiritual needs or integrating treatment with other health care professionals and family members.”

Dr. Fless feels a sense of responsibility to train the next generation. She mentors student and resident physicians as well as respiratory therapists. She is the physician leader at Cooperman Barnabas for The Schwartz Center Rounds, a national organization whose mission is to put compassion at the heart of healthcare through programs, education, and advocacy.

“Our trainees have been invited into these rounds and they have the opportunity to present at them.” She has been heralded for her teaching prowess and received the Golden Apple Harvey E. Nussbaum Award for excellence in teaching. Of those she has taught or mentored she says, “I am proud that they have learned excellent technical skills and compassionate caregiving expertise at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.”

Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Fless was recognized by the American Cancer Society for her work to provide an early diagnosis of lung cancer through low-dose screening CTs of the lung in high-risk patients. Dr. Fless continues to excel and exceed. “I strive to provide the best medical experience for patients. My focus is to find opportunities for new programs, new technologies or to improve upon what is currently available.”

94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston 973-322-8232 www.rwjbh.org/cooperman-barnabas-medical-center