Shari received her I.A.O.M. Certification in Orofacial Myology in 1998 following her professional internship, through the International Association of Orofacial Myology.

She received her Dental Hygiene degree from Parkland College in 1979, graduating with honors, and received her dental hygiene license in 1979. She retired from dental hygiene practice after working for 19 years as a Pediatric Dental Hygienist. In addition, Shari holds a B.A. from Board of Governors Program with an emphasis in psychology and early childhood development from Northeastern Illinois University, graduating with honors, Cum Laude. 

Shari is a lecturer to numerous dental, speech and medical organizations and parent's groups, as well as a respected researcher with published works in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology. An upcoming article, recently approved for publication in the IJOM in 2011 includes unique and confirmational research on the topic of dual habits. She recently presented to the craniofacial team at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and works closely with a number of these specialists who treat these complex cases in a team approach.

Shari is no stranger to the popular media and has been a featured guest on NBC and Fox News, and Mom Talk Radio, and was recently featured on Tracey Serebin’s webtalkradio show “Family Matters” available on Podcast (“Baby Experts” show). This podcast can be accessed at: www.webtalkradio.net. She has also been featured in articles in New York Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, Scholastic Child and Parent, Seventeen Magazine, Natural Jewish Parent Magazine, and was filmed previously for the ABC News show 20/20. In addition, Shari was interviewed for and has appeared in the recent publication/book, "Parenting, Inc." by Pamela Paul, receiving Ms. Paul's praise and a "thumbs up" in her controversial and comprehensive book on parental services. You may view a short portion of this interview on the "In the News" page of this site.

In 2009, Shari was honored by the International Association of Orofacial Myology by being appointed to the Board of Examiners. This huge responsibility and honorable position entails both evaluating written and on site examinations of applicants being considered for certification in the IAOM.  

Mentored by Rose Van Norman, Shari has attended many of her workshops and seminars. Shari has worked with close to a thousand patients in her carreer, and has had extensive educational coursework in psychology and early childhood development. In addition to Rose Van Norman, Shari has interned and trained with Bill and Julie Zickefoose, Roberta Pierce, April Gelesko, Marge Snow, and Joseph Zimmerman.

Professional Memberships:

Certified Member International Association of Orofacial Myology since 1998

Alpha Omega Dental Hygiene Honor Society, awarded recognition on the National Dean's List

PSI CHI National Honor Society in Psychology

Advisory Board to Control-It/Next Step Enterprises

IAOM Board of Examiners