Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Peterson
Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was inspired at an early age by my orthodontist, Dr. Stephen Tracey. He was a handsome vibrant man with an energetic practice, a team who loved their job, and Dr. Tracey exuded love for his craft and his patients. Beyond that, he had a beautiful lifestyle, was an ironman triathlete, and he lectured all over the world. My mom was also in the dental field. She was a hygienist for approximately 40 years. All over town, she would run into her patients and some how she always knew their name and their story. I am so thankful these two paved the way for my beautiful life that I live. Today, I have been practicing orthodontics for approximately 12 years and started my own practice, Synergi Orthodontic Specialists, in my home town of Rancho Cucamonga, California four years ago, after working in several states and practices prior. I wanted to create a similar experience to the joy and fun I was lucky to experience as a child in Dr. Tracey’s orthodontic office. My practice is state of the art-digital everything. It’s clean and I love design, so I went with a vibrant modern look. I am so passionate for my craft, I can’t stop learning, so I continue to challenge myself to be even better for my patients. I have a team of 13 fabulous employees who believe in the same mission I do. We love on our patients, we do our very best work, we exceed expectations, we are a little extra and over the top, and we make orthodontics the BEST part of our patients’ day! Everywhere I go in town, I see my patients-and I love that! I followed in Dr. Tracey’s footsteps and became an ironman triathlete, marathon runner, crossfitter, yoga enthusiast, and all things health and wellness. And 5 years ago, I swallowed my fears and got up on stage to lecture, and have since also traveled the country lecturing in the field of orthodontics. Although being a small business owner always comes with challenges, the growth I have experienced as a person and professional is unmatched by any other experience I have had.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is this a trick question? 😉 I believe most small business owners could write an entire book of unexpected challenges. I had a major construction defect from my initial contractor totalling over a million dollars in damage, where I had to shut the practice down to rebuild. For many years I could not find a contractor to help me fix the problem. I am still going through struggles with insurance to get reimbursed and I feel like I had a part time job as a project manager and contractor for many years. This took me away from patient care and growing my practice, and led to many low points, but the flip side is I learned so much about construction and insurance that I’ve been able to share this knowledge with colleagues, and this now allows me to converse with contractors on construction projects in a much smoother fashion.
My business was supposed to open in October 2019, but construction was delayed, and my office did not open until July 2020-smack dab in the heart of covid. Having a new health related practice during covid was a big learning experience!
One night, my business was broken into and vandalized by a man on drugs. He broke several computers and our front windows/doors. There was glass everywhere!
Having a highly detailed, customer service based, high energy practice can be challenging to find team members that fit this vibe. I have story after story of apathy, embezzlement, attitude issues, and other crazy things that I can’t write in this article 🙂 when it comes to employees. I have learned so much about myself as I lead a group. I have learned that I love people hard and see potential so I give people chances, but I have also learned tough love and really leaning into the mission of what we are doing here sometimes necessitates difficult conversations and decisions. Through this, I have built the world’s most fabulous team. I can not say enough good things about the team I have-they are gems, angels, and incredible human beings that I can’t believe I get to work with on a daily basis.
During my practice ownership years, I have also had my children. I took a 3 week maternity leave for my son, and a 5 week maternity leave for my daughter. Juggling small business ownership and mom life of young kids is a constant recalibrating balancing act, but my team is supportive, I am able to adjust my schedule when I need to, and my kids have the best grandparents who are a critical part of the tribe!
I have also learned that in this world, if you are vibrant, joyful, and successful, there is a population of people that want to tear that down. I have learned to love those people through their own challenges, but to not let my light dim in the process. I know that I have a gift to love on people and bring joy and service to my community through my craft, and I wake up everyday excited to continue that purpose.
There are so many other challenges–too many to list! But the most important thing I have learned is that its all about perspective. My team jokes that when something goes wrong and they may all be stressing out, my blood pressure doesn’t rise at all. I tell them, when you have done this a while, you have pretty much seen it all, and it just becomes the challenge of the week. No challenge lasts, and every challenge is an invitation to level up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am an orthodontist who straightens teeth using braces or clear aligners, but more importantly, beyond that, I am orthodontist who does a comprehensive assessment on growth and development. This includes assessing the airway, TMJ, soft tissue, and muscular symmetry. Many people think orthodontics is just about straightening teeth. What we have learned in this field in the last decade about growth and development and the effects on overall long term health is fascinating. Orthodontics helps people look better in their profile, reduces traumatic occlusion which reduces the chance of bone loss or expensive and painful dental care in the future, improves the airway for better breathing, relieves patients of headache caused by a deepbite, improves speech, eating, and more. Orthodontics can reduce the need for surgeries such as tonsil removal, jaw surgery, extractions, etc. The key is bringing kids in to be evaluated early. 90% of facial growth and development is complete by age 12. When we see kids when they are growing, we have so many more options to set these kids up for long term success. Beyond that, straightening teeth improves confience, and improves peoples chance of getting better jobs and significant others! Being able to educate families about everything they can do for their kids lives through orthodontics is such a privilege! I also treat adults, and I love watching the life transformation that accompanies the decision to straighten their teeth. I think our mission statement really answers this question. We spell Synergi with an “i” because we provide treatment that is individualized for each patient. Our office is innovative, with the latest technology and treatment planning, constantly integrating the advances of modern medicine and health and dental care. Our job is important, and our mission is to be inspirational, positively impacting our patients and community through smiles. We are intentional. We come to work everyday prepared to be our best selves as we serve our community. Our office and team are inviting and inclusive. We believe everyone deserves to smile!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My faith is a huge part of my journey.
My mom and Dr. Stephen Tracey were my inspiration for becoming an orthodontist.
My community and my kids are my why.
I am also lucky to learn, grow, and share information with so many of my colleagues.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.synergiortho.com
- Instagram: @synergiortho
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Synergiortho
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SynergiOrthodonticSpecialists
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/synergi-orthodontic-specialists-rancho-cucamonga
