Western Region Consulting

Stephanie Gabriel

Western Regional Consultant

Stephanie’s goal for every cosmetic surgery practice is the same: “I want the doctors and the staff to love what they’re doing.  I want their office to be a place they look forward to coming into each morning.” 

Stephanie says that this can only happen when the practice establishes its goals and then, together, she and the practice can use data to set the direction for change.  In fact, Stephanie considers herself a “data-based consultant” who believes that a practice must able to make decisions based on tangible reports.  When change is indicated, she tries to make those changes comfortable for her practices.  “Once they understand how Mentor Solutions can help them achieve their goals and provide infrastructure so they can spend more time taking care of patients, they embrace it wholeheartedly.”

She has over ten years of concentrated experience developing revenue strategies for aesthetic surgery practices.  Her strong background in sales and marketing contributes to her ability to successfully evaluate and create growth for her clients.

Stephanie initially joined Mentor Solutions in 1995 and worked diligently to formulate sales protocols, implement on-site training programs and further develop Inform&Enhance® software.  After several years of extensive experience in practices all over the country, she left the Company to learn more about the financial growth of practices through patient financing.  She spent six years with Unicorn Financial, returning to Mentor Solutions in 2005.

When asked what excites her most about her work, Stephanie quickly replies, “I always ask myself – what kind of impact can I make on someone else’s life today?  And when I see a practice growing and we’re getting closer to our goals, I feel a great sense of accomplishment.”

Stephanie grew up in Colorado and attended college at the University of San Diego where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and English. After spending 17 years in San Diego, she recently relocated to Houston, Texas where she enjoys golfing and various volunteer activities.

Vanessa Shadowen

Practice Specialist, Western Region

Vanessa Shadowen believes that everything a practice does has to assure patient satisfaction.   Having been an operating room nurse, Vanessa says, “It’s essential to listen to patients and provide them with the information they need, when they need it.  What I love about Inform&Enhance® Software is how it enables practices to define its process for giving this information and ensuring that patient needs are better met. There’s a known relationship between patient satisfaction and financial success so the patient care component is really important to me.” 

When I work with practices, I want every staff member to understand the importance of their role within the practice and understand how Inform&Enhance® can assist them in achieving their goals, both for themselves, but most importantly for the patient.”  Vanessa believes that having had the opportunity to be a part of the intra-operative surgical experience has allowed her a greater understanding of the plastic surgery procedures and the process the patient goes through. 

After working as an operating room nurse, Vanessa broadened her knowledge by working with a plastic surgeon in the Chicago area, both in the office as well as the surgery center.  Later, she expanded further by becoming a patient coordinator for a female plastic surgeon in Indianapolis.  It was during this time that Vanessa began her relationship with Inform software. 

Vanessa says, “I feel that I’m in a great position to help practices grow because of my surgical/technical background, people-oriented nature and hands-on experience using the Inform&Enhance®.  I tell them, ‘I’ve done what you’re doing.  I understand how you feel.  Together we can make changes that will save you time, help you provide better information to your patients and make your practice even more professional.”

What excites Vanessa most about her work are the relationships she forms with those in her practices.  “Change is hard,” says Vanessa, “and we have to gain the staff’s trust for that change to be accepted.  But once they start to see things improving and feel like more of a team, the practice takes on a whole new attitude and great things begin to happen.”

Vanessa has recently relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. 

For more information about our consulting services call us at 800-994-6367 or contact us online.