Hero Practice Services Leadership Team

Kevin is an experienced executive of clinician-led businesses. He grew his career providing business support services, developing infrastructure, and serving in nearly every operational role across multiple healthcare organizations. Lawton brings a wealth of experience operating and expanding multi-site healthcare businesses to Hero. Most recently, he led operations for Pacific Dental Services in several states and supported more than 200 dental practices. Prior to Pacific Dental, he served as Regional Vice President for Banfield Pet Hospitals, the largest general veterinary practice in the world.

Lawton grew up in Colorado and now resides in the Phoenix area. When he is not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his son, Luke and his twin daughters, Avery and Gabriella.

Ron is an experienced Finance Executive with 10 years in Multi site entity businesses. Most recently as a Finance leader at Super Star Car Wash with over 80 locations, and at Pacific Dental covering over 200 locations. With over 20 years of experience in various roles in Finance with BS Degrees in both Finance and Accounting from Arizona State University, Ron has been building best in class Finance teams while driving operational efficiency. Ron joined Hero for the opportunity to grow and support Dental practices while being a part of helping underserved communities.

Ron grew up in the state of Washington and now resides in the Phoenix Area. When Ron is not working he enjoys spending time with his wife Sheila, daughter Luci, and son Grahame

A native of St. Simons Island, GA, Eleanor attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree and Mercer University for law school before completing a federal clerkship in the Southern District of Georgia. She then spent years working for two international law firms before joining Hero. As the Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, Eleanor loves being able to put her legal background and skills to work for the benefit of underserved children. She has always had a heart for underprivileged communities and has been part of various mission-driven volunteer programs, both in the United States and Africa.

In her free time, Eleanor enjoys skiing, camping and adventuring with her husband, son and two pups.

In his role as Chief Information Officer, Mr. Olson is responsible for Information Technology, Facilities and Construction. Prior to joining Hero Practice Services, Mr. Olson served in the U.S. Army where his initial leadership training started as a non-commissioned officer. After leaving military service, Mr. Olson worked in information technology support roles at Schriever AFB and Peterson AFB. While at Peterson AFB, Mr. Olson worked to support NORAD/USSPACECOM and was promoted to the J624 IT Help Desk Manager role to support NORAD/USNORTHCOM and is a plank owner of US Northern Command. Mr. Olson transitioned to healthcare in 2007 and worked in senior leadership as the Vice President of Information Technology at Peak Vista Community Health Centers. Joining Hero Practice Services in 2016 as the Vice President of Information Technology, Mr. Olson was promoted to Chief Information Officer in 2017.

Olson finished his bachelor’s and master’s programs at Colorado Technical University. He is also an alumnus of Leadership Pikes Peak. Paul is passionate about serving patients and ensuring Hero’s mission is accomplished each day.

Dr. Rebecca Misner is Hero Practice Services’ Vice President of Clinical Operations for Dental. In this role, Dr. Misner directly leads and trains Hero’s regional dental leadership across seven states. She travels across the country supporting dentists with both mentorship and training. Additionally, Dr. Misner actively practices across the Front Range of Colorado and has vast experience in treating children in low-income, underserved communities, including children with special needs. Her clinical emphasis is on treating those children who have large treatment plans and may need full mouth reconstruction of the dentition (completed either while the child is awake or while they are placed under general anesthesia by a dental anesthesiologist).

Dr. Misner chairs the Hero Clinical Leadership Board, which sets clinical direction for providers in Hero’s network. She holds a doctorate of dental medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and a bachelor of science degree from Montana State University. She also holds dental licenses from the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Washington, Oklahoma, Indiana, California and Maryland and in the District of Columbia.

“I love this job. I get to teach the newest members of the team while still being able to provide dental care for the patients. It is very rewarding to meet parents that are so grateful to have a welcoming dental home for their kids. Every day, I feel like I’m able to make a difference.”

Dr. Pharris oversees optometric clinical quality for Hero Practice Service, leading the eye care program since 2007. Dr. Pharris has been practicing eye care for over 25 years and has specialized in pediatric eye care for more than 15 years. He is passionate about closing the gap of untreated childhood vision issues and making sure children’s eyes and their visual systems are functioning to help them learn and develop properly. Dr. Pharris is responsible for defining Hero’s clinical guidelines and training and coaching the optometric staff to deliver consistent, top quality vision care. Born in Southern California and raised in Colorado Springs, Michael Pharris graduated with a Biological Sciences degree from Colorado State University in 1985. He then went on to Pacific University College of Optometry in Oregon, where he received his Doctorate of Optometry degree in 1989.

Dr. John DuRussel was born and raised in Brighton, Colorado. He attended college at Michigan State University where he studied Human Physiology then went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Biomedical Science at the Wayne State School of Medicine. Dr. DuRussel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, hailed as one of the top dental schools in the world. He then continued his training at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Masters of Science in Orthodontics and was fortunate to have some of the leading Orthodontists in the country as his mentors. Dr. DuRussel loves his work transforming his patients’ smiles while watching their self-confidence grow. Dr. DuRussel helps to open and transition new Hero Orthodontic offices. Dr. DuRussel is responsible for defining, training and auditing our orthodontic standards of care and acts as a resource to all Hero Practice Services orthodontists for procedural and individual patient consultation.

Dr. Sheila has been with Hero DVO for 10 years and is licensed and practices in CO, NM, KS, and OK. She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and she graduated from Regis University. She earned her DDS from Creighton University School of Dentistry. After dental school, Dr. Sheila earned her Master’s in Public Health from Creighton University. She then worked in community health and completed an AEGD at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Dr. Sheila is active with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and served on the Council on Clinical Affairs Committee for 6 years contributing to the AAPD Reference Manual.

Travis comes to Hero Practice services with over 20 years experience in the medical and dental field. His experience ranges from pharmaceuticals with Johnsons and Johnson, surgical sales and support with Nobel Biocare, managing specialty services for Pacific Dental Services across 5 states and 200 offices, and most recently VP of Specialty for Children’s Choice Healthcare Services. Travis is a dedicated leader who prioritizes the betterment of patients, his team, and the organization. Travis has always had a passion for working with children from a young age, Travis spent many years working and volunteering in hospital pediatric units and pediatric ICU’s.

In his spare time, Travis can be found doing just about anything outdoor related with his wife, four daughters, and their dog Penny.

A native of Colorado, Chris attended Colorado State University–Pueblo receiving an undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems. He has worked in the group practice space for 15+ years. As the Vice President of Information Technology and Facilities, Chris loves to work in the day-to-day operations of both departments ensuring the offices are open to serve our patients.

In his free time, he enjoys life with his wonderful wife and three children.

A native of the great state of Arizona, Alissa attended the University of Arizona receiving her undergraduate degree. After moving to California upon graduation she found her way into the dental field with a large dental support organization growing practices and developing her team to serve patients’ needs. Guiding and developing teams has been her passion for the last 19 years in the dental field which has led her to her current role, VP of People Services. Alissa’s greatest joy is seeing her team reach new heights they did not realize they could accomplish, especially when it impacts a patient’s life!

In her free time, she enjoys working out at Orange Theory and photography, especially catching those special sporting moments of her three boys.

Janelle joined the Hero team in 2009. During her time at Hero, she has developed the Community Outreach Department, oversees all Marketing functions and developed the Payor Relations department. Through her role in Payor Relations, she works closely with state Medicaid programs, commercial insurance companies and participates in government affairs committees to advocate for children’s healthcare at the highest levels.

Janelle received her Bachelor’s in Communications and Marketing from University of Colorado and her Master’s in Education from Regis University. Her experience in elementary education and passion for helping children is what drives her to improve the lives of children across the country.

In her free time, Janelle enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. As a Colorado native, she partakes in many outdoor activities with her three very active dogs (2 Australian Shepherds and a Border Collie).

Jennifer Frueh brings over 15 years of extensive marketing experience, coupled with a profound understanding of dental and healthcare industries, to her role as the Vice President of Marketing at Hero Practice Services. With a career marked by continuous growth and leadership, Jennifer has excelled in various management roles, leveraging her expertise to drive strategic marketing initiatives and deliver tangible results. Attending Colorado Christian University for Communications and Marketing, Jennifer combines academic knowledge with real-world experience to craft innovative marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jennifer finds joy and fulfillment in her role as a partner to Josh and a mother to their 15-year-old daughter, Carly Ana. Whether cheering on Carly Ana at volleyball games on the weekends or embarking on adventures with her family.

Jennifer’s life and work are deeply rooted in her faith and her commitment to serving others. Jennifer’s faith is not only a source of personal strength and guidance but also informs her professional ethos and values. She is driven by a profound sense of compassion and a desire to emulate Christ’s love and compassion in all aspects of her life. With her unwavering dedication to her work, her family, and her faith, Jennifer embodies the qualities of a compassionate leader, a devoted parent, and a passionate advocate for excellence in marketing and healthcare.

A greater Boston resident his entire life, Craig Barry comes to Hero with 15+ years of progressive recruiting leadership experience. Craig previously spent 8 years overseeing day-to-day dentist recruitment efforts at a national dental service organization. He believes that recruiters are the lifeblood of growing organizations and hopes to give each candidate a pleasant and professional experience.

Craig has a Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Stonehill College and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. While he’s not trying to find providers to join the Hero team, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter, doing monthly bar trivia with his friends, and loudly and obnoxiously rooting for Boston sports teams