Sharron Miller

Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts

Sharron Miller knows the value of dance for mind, body, and spirit. As the owner of Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) in Montclair, she shares the joy of movement with all ages. A native of Montclair, Sharron graduated from Julliard and performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and on Broadway in New York City. Returning home to Montclair, she established an inclusive dance program with SMAPA 27 years ago. The studio’s dance program includes conservatory-based learning, with ballet, modern, jazz, tap, West African, and preschool programs in creative movement, ballet, and contemporary dance. “Through my non-profit, I have sources of income through scholarships and other funding to reach the underserved,” she remarked. Children learn to dance as it relates to mathematical concepts. SMAPA also brings its dance programs through experiential learning to local schools and to students who would normally not have opportunities in dance instruction. She maintains, “Dance is inherently mathematically oriented. You count in 4’s, use space levels, and draw geomatic shapes.”

She says, “Ultimately, it’s about excellent product and service. But also gather people who support your vision and help you keep going. And never, ever give up.”

14 South Park St., Montclair

973-498-8943 | www.smapa.org

Ellen Gonik

Realtor-Associate®, Coldwell Banker Realty

Drive and a stellar reputation have catapulted Ellen Gonik to become a top producing and award-winning real estate professional. She is ranked #1 Agent in Livingston across all companies, #1 Agent in Essex County across all companies, #1 Coldwell Banker Agent in New Jersey, #4 Agent in New Jersey across all companies in sales volume, and .5% of All Coldwell Banker Agents WORLDWIDE. She is focused on properties in Livingston, Short Hills, Summit, Chatham, West Orange, Essex Fells, Roseland and the Caldwells.

Her success, by her own admission, is due to “credibility, immediate response and humor.” Gonik explains, “It’s not an easy industry. Buying or Selling a house is an emotional experience… These are The Days of Our Lives… A home is where we eat, sleep, raise our families, love, entertain. My clients and I laugh together and cry together”

Her advice to those wishing to buy or sell: Align with one agent and choose wisely. “For example, during multiple offer situations, I’m not only looking at the offer price, I strongly consider the reputation of the buyer’s agent.”

Gonik prides herself on her reputation and professional connections within the industry. “I’ve earned the respect of my peers and it has enabled my clients to win homes when there are multiple offer situations.” If Ellen is the kind of person you want in your corner, please call her at 973-879-9467.

973-879-9467 | ellengonik.com

Dr. Tyra Manso

Montclair Pediatric Dental Care, Owner and Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

W“e have built a culture here at Montclair Pediatric Dental Care (MPDC) that breaks the ‘scary dental office’ stigma,” says board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Tyra Manso, who owns the practice. “Our patients are part of the Growing Smiles Club. This gives them pride and ownership of their oral health.”

She was inspired to become a pediatric dentist in her fourth year of dental school at the University of Michigan. “My professors at the time encouraged me to pursue pediatrics because I displayed a natural ease and connection with children,” says Dr. Manso. “I love what I do because oral health is such a major component of the overall development and wellness of a child. If I can teach families about prevention early, the result is a cavity-free, beautiful, bright smile that will grow into adolescence and adulthood.”

MPDC offers a wide range of services from fluoride treatments and sealants to dental extractions, orthodontics, diet counseling and more. Also, because safety is always a priority, the office follows CDC Compliant Infection Control and Sterilization Practices and has a PUR2O In-Office Water Filtration System.

A business owner, wife and mom, Dr. Manso makes time to give back. She’s been a medical mission volunteer providing free dental care to underserved children in the United States and other countries. She also visits local schools to teach children how oral health can be fun. She participates in community events in Montclair, where she resides, as well.

“The best advice I was ever given personally is to always present as my most authentic self,” she says. “That has given me great success as a business owner and puts my patients at ease. I would encourage other women to follow their dreams because there are so many young people watching and believing in themselves by our example.”

31 Valley Road, 2nd Floor, Montclair 973-771-5387 www.montclairpediatricdental.com

Michele Elefante and Stefani Healey

Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts

Sisters Michele and Stefani are proud to be co-owners of a majority women-owned business, Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts, along with their father Al who founded the business over 25 years ago. “As sisters, we feel lucky to be able to work together with our father,” Michele said. “We have different strengths, and we respect that.” This bond, she explained, has allowed them to be themselves and truly enjoy the work they do.

Michele credits commitment to integrity, being people of their word, and being good members of their community for Elefante Music’s success, along with hiring and retaining the best teachers and staff. “They represent us. We trust and rely on them,” she said. “They pass our values along to the students we teach.”

Elefante Music has over 800 private lesson and performing arts students, rents musical instruments to musicians of all ages; repairs instruments through its professionally staffed shop; and offers a selection of new and used instruments and supplementary accessories for sale.

908-464-5928 www.elefantemusic.com