Meet the Speakers

Katherine Pelullo, RDH, MEd, MDHA’s Legislative Chair

Katherine Pelullo graduated from the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists in Boston, MA. Following graduation, she commenced employment as a clinical hygienist in private practice where she continues to practice one day per week. At the same time, she continued her education earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University and a Master in Education degree from Fitchburg State College.

MDHA membership has always been a vital component of Katherine’s professional life. She has served as MDHA President, as a Delegate to ADHA’s Annual Session for many years, and on ADHA committees and councils. Currently, Katherine is MDHA’s Speaker of the House of Delegates, Council on Regulation and Practice chair and a Worcester Component Trustee.  She also represents MDHA on Health Care For All’s Oral Health Advocacy Taskforce, and its Steering Committee; and the Better Oral Health for Massachusetts Coalition, and its Access and Workforce Committee. Finally, she represents MDHA on the Mount Wachusett Community College Dental Education Programs Advisory Board.

Carol Jahn, RDH, MS

Carol Jahn, RDH, MS has a BS in dental hygiene from the University of Iowa and an MS in Continuing Education from the University of St Francis. She has been a dental hygienist since 1982. Currently, she is the Director of Professional Relations & Education for Water Pik, Inc. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her partner, Larry, and their dog Toby

MDHA President Sara Crow RDH

Sarah Crow started in the dental industry in 2004.  She has earned numerous awards throughout her education and career as a dental hygienist. To name a few, in 2018 Sarah was named “Component Hygienist of the Year” by her colleagues and was most recently voted the 2021 “Massachusetts Dental Society Hygienist of the Year.”   

Sarah currently serves as President, for ADHA Massachusetts, and is the co-founder of MDHA’s Mentor Liaison Team.  She also holds a seat on the Best of Class National Dental Hygiene Committee for Cellerant Consulting Group.  

Sarah enjoys working chairside with patients one on one where she is given the opportunity to exhibit her passion for helping others to improve their oral and overall health.  

Debbie Zafiropoulos

Debbie Z as she is respectfully known in the industry, has a go-big or go-home attitude; she is personable, authentic and her passion is contagious. When you meet her, you will want to spend more time in her presence, her energy just radiates! Debbie is the CEO of the OralED Institute, a partner with Delta Force Group Consulting; a collaborative firm that leads you from current state to desired state and serves as the Partner in Education for the Wellness Dentistry Network.

Debbie is a well-respected and sought-after Key Opinion Leader and is constantly delivering the message of forward motion in education and implementation. In 2016, Debbie was selected as the SUNSTAR Award of Distinction recipient for her relentless activities to better our profession. In 2017 Debbie was also recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry for her advances in prevention and implementation in systemic diseases and HPV related oral cancer. 

Debbie is also a curriculum developer and instructor at the Morado Dental Academy in Gilbert, Arizona and one of the founding consultants for MoradoASC: Allied Speakers & Consultants. Debbie is a guest presenter at the Dental Future Center in Pennsylvania and founding member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health organization, AAOSH. Debbie is also a published author of several industry magazines and wrote a chapter for Michelle Prince’s book “How To Be a Difference Maker” for the Zig Ziglar group. As a tireless Pioneer Health Crusader, Educator & Author dedicated to Total Health Initiatives and Making Cancer History, Debbie continues to develop and present very popular and sought out cutting edge programs. Her live and often sold-out educational programs are a meeting planner’s dream and Debbie continues to deliver the message all over the world. 

In 2015 after losing a friend to late-stage oral cancer diagnosis after defeating triple negative breast cancer; Debbie was determined to never let another friend, family member, patient or stranger, be placed at risk of an under diagnosed oral abnormality converting into cancer. She quickly drew on her experience, perspective and determination and put a plan into action. This passion drove her to form the NationalCancerNetwork.org a 501(C) (3), whose vision is to raise awareness of prevention, progress, screening and referrals for a vision of a world free of cancer. Within a short 16 months the NationalCancerNetwork.org is growing into a highly effective and charitable organization.

Debbie often says: “Delay is the enemy of action, Fear stagnates action and neither exist in a hero’s heart. Eliminate both and your heart is open to be your own superhero!”

Elizabeth Sanders, DPM, FACFAS, DABPM

A Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Boston, MA serving as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine.  She earned her undergraduate degree in Music Performance/Music Education from Kent State University and went on to receive her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2014. She then completed residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Boston Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in foot and ankle advanced reconstructive surgery at University Hospitals in Chardon, Ohio.  In addition, she completed a mini fellowship in external fixation at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Kurgan, Russia.   

Dr. Sanders was previously in private practice in Puerto Rico before joining the Division of Podiatric Surgery at Boston Medical Center (BMC) this year.  Over the last several years, she has given numerous lectures and presentations on innovative surgical techniques, emphasizing limb salvage and reconstructive surgery. She is board certified in foot surgery through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and board certified through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.  Her clinical and research interests include reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, limb salvage techniques including external fixation, sports medicine, pediatrics, trauma, multi-disciplinary medicine, and medical education.

Katrina Sanders RDH, M.Ed

A clinical dental hygienist, author and international speaker, Katrina is a vibrant, passionate and charismatic award-winning educator with a unique approach to delivering continuing dental education.  A distinguished speaker with many dental hygiene study clubs, Katrina’s lectures incorporate a caring, comedic and supportive style.  She is passionate about educating, empowering and instilling compassion within the dental hygiene industry.  Katrina’s zest for dental hygiene is infused throughout her content as she lectures on provocative topics while leaving participants with a call to action and an abundantly renewed sense of pride for their industry.

Katrina is the founder, CEO and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory, a comprehensive program designed to supplement student learning and enhance understanding of concepts, terminology and procedures commonly discussed in preparation for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.  

Katrina is the Clinical Liaison, Hygiene Excellence and Innovation for AZPerio, the country’s largest periodontal practice.  She works alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology to instruct on collaborative professionalism and standard of care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.  Katrina is the co-host of Tooth or Dare Podcast and is a published author with RDH Magazine, Inside Dental Hygiene, Oral Health Group, DentalTown and Today’s RDH, a columnist and advisory board member for Modern Hygienist, editorial advisory member for the Dental Academy of Continuing Education and brand ambassador for Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.  Her philanthropic efforts include dental humanitarian work in developing countries, supporting abused and homeless animals and spreading awareness about the benefits of organ and tissue donation.  Visit: www.katrinasanders.com. Handle: @thedentalWINEgenist.