The Trapezio Board of Experts 

Behind Exceptional Orthodontic Team Training

Trapezio’s curriculum is developed and refined by a diverse Board of Experts made up of industry professionals. Drawing from decades of real-world experience, this collaborative team ensures every course reflects today’s best practices, practical workflows, and proven strategies for success. Their combined expertise allows Trapezio to deliver comprehensive training that addresses every role within an orthodontic practice, helping team members build confidence, strengthen their skills, and make an immediate impact in the office.

By bringing together leaders from across the orthodontic profession, Trapezio provides practices with education they can trust—developed not by a single expert, but by a network of professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities orthodontic teams face every day.

Your Clinical & Insurance Expert

Dr. Doug Depew is the founder and Academic Director of Trapezio. He created the online training platform to provide orthodontic practices with accessible, role-specific education for their team members. Not all orthodontic practices have the funds or time for in-person training, and many are restricted geographically by easy access. The development of online training makes professional orthodontic team training accessible to teams everywhere in the United States, New Zealand, and some areas of Canada.

With decades of experience running a successful orthodontic practice, he understands how vital a well-trained team is to the growth and success of an office. Trapezio was designed to make training simple, effective, and available anytime, giving practices the tools they need to build confident, capable teams. Doug has used his years of experience to author the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting Level 1, Academy of Orthodontic Assisting Level 2, Academy of OrthoCommon Knowledge, and the Academy of Insurance Coordinators.

Since its launch, Trapezio has grown into a trusted resource for orthodontic practices nationwide, in New Zealand, and also parts of Canada, offering courses for clinical team members, office managers, treatment coordinators, and more. Each course is structured to strengthen skills, improve efficiency, and empower team members to thrive in their roles.

Your Treatment Coordinator & Practice Manager Expert

Tracy Martin has hands-on orthodontic practice experience, working in every clinical and admin role within the practice. From start-ups to multi-doctor offices, her experience gives insight on how to build strong, successful orthodontic teams. She has developed proven methods for increasing case acceptance, improving office efficiency, and implementing standout marketing strategies that help practices thrive. Her passion lies in the business side of orthodontics and in empowering the team behind the doctor to deliver an exceptional patient experience.

As an author of Trapezio’s Academy for Treatment Coordinators Level 1, Academy for Treatment Coordinators Level 2, and the Academy of Office Managers courses, Tracy brings energy and expertise to training office managers, treatment coordinators, patient coordinators, and clinical assistants to strengthen the “New Patient Experience” and enhance practice growth. When teams are confident, well-trained, and aligned, the entire practice benefits. Tracy’s forward-thinking approach combines traditional orthodontic principles with modern strategies to prepare the next generation of orthodontic teams for success. 

Your Financial Coordinator Expert

Jackie is the author of the Academy of Financial Coordinators course for Trapezio, a leading program designed to equip financial coordinators with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. This course reflects her decades of expertise and her dedication to elevating financial standards across the orthodontic industry.

As the premier financial strategist for patient accounting in orthodontic practices, Jackie is the founder and president of JMShoemaker Consulting, Inc. and AccounTrac, Inc. With more than 35 years of national orthodontic experience and a background working directly in a practice, she brings unmatched insight into the industry. Her expertise is grounded in an accounting degree from Miami University of Ohio, along with early career experience at a Fortune 500 company, giving her a strong foundation in both business and finance. Jackie has been instrumental in helping orthodontists improve income, raise profitability, and create more rewarding, sustainable practices.

Your Front Desk Expert

Amy Demas is the author of the Academy of Front Desk Coordinators Course, where she shares her expertise in communication, leadership, and process design to help orthodontic teams excel while navigating the duties at the office front desk and on the phone. In the Front Desk Coordinators Course, Amy gives professional insight into customer service for the front desk team – the first faces that patients see when they enter your practice. As an award-winning speaker and process developer, Amy brings expert training to the new patient phone call and to phone customer service.

In addition to being an award-winning speaker and process developer, Amy is also coach, teacher, and inventor who is passionate about empowering others through efficient and effective processes. She was among the first 1,000 women to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and went on to secure more than 55 U.S. patents (under the name Amy Folk) for her process design and statistical work at Bank of America.

Your Digital Lab Coordinator Expert

Gustavo has spent over two decades in human development, beginning his career in employment staffing and human resources, where he gained valuable experience shaping both sides of the workplace. His orthodontic journey began unexpectedly as a patient and quickly grew into a full-time role as a digital lab manager and later office manager, overseeing a multi-location practice with a fully integrated digital operation. Fueled by his passion for clear aligner treatment, Gustavo joined uLab Systems as a clinical education specialist, where he mentored teams, supported accounts, and shared his expertise nationwide.

His enthusiasm and can-do attitude opened doors for him to become a sought-after national speaker. Today, as an orthodontic consultant, Gustavo uses his authentic, people-first approach to guide teams toward maximizing their potential. He is also the author of Trapezio’s Academy of Digital Lab Coordinators course, where he brings his knowledge and passion to help practices thrive in the digital space. A powerhouse of energy, Gustavo remains deeply grateful for his journey and is dedicated to empowering others through education and innovation.

Your OSHA Expert

Your Academy of OSHA Safety course is authored by Leslie Canham. Leslie is a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant with over 50 years of experience in dentistry that she brings to the course. After decades of clinical experience, she shifted her focus to continuing education, specializing in OSHA compliance for dental offices. Her expertise quickly gained national recognition, with her seminars on OSHA, Infection Control, HIPAA, and the Dental Practice Act becoming some of the most sought-after in the dental community.

In the OSHA Safety course, Leslie brings deep knowledge of safety and compliance to an easily digestable, online course that helps orthodontic teams thrive. She is authorized by the Department of Labor as an OSHA Outreach Trainer in General Industry Standards and has been recognized as a “Leader in Consulting” by Dentistry Today. Through her work with Trapezio and her involvement in national organizations and committees, Leslie continues to be a trusted voice in dental and orthodontic compliance education.

Your Customer Experience Expert

The Academy of Customer Service has been shaped by 25 years of orthodontics and business management experience. The author, Susan McElvy, has built a career dedicated to strengthening practices and developing high-performing teams. In the Academy of Customer Service course, she shares proven strategies for improving communication, elevating the patient experience, and empowering orthodontic teams.

She began her career in Florida with a progressive orthodontist who emphasized the importance of customer service, later expanding her expertise in leadership and team development through work in the IT side of orthodontics. As Director of Consulting for a major management company, she oversaw more than 350 locations before founding Imagine Consulting Group to help practices build strong foundations and achieve long-term success.