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Carole Newport, MA

CEO

Carole graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and completed her Master of Arts in Marketing at Webster University. Carole began working with the ABO in 2012 after working in hotel management for 9 years.

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Michelle Valenti

CFO

Michelle graduated from Missouri State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Prior to joining the ABO, Michelle spent 15 years in hotel management and 4 years as a corporate accountant at a large financial services firm. Michelle has been with the ABO since 2016.

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Stacie Bauer

Meetings and Events Manager

Stacie comes to the ABO with over 20 years of experience in the events industry. She previously worked at Momentus Technologies, an international events and venues SaaS organization. As the Global Events Manager, she oversaw events of all types from small intimate meetings to large-scale conferences. She has a passion for creating memorable experiences for attendees and enjoys all the complexities that create white glove events. Stacie studied marketing communications at Lindenwood University.

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Kim Koch

Exam Coordinator

Kim joined the ABO team in 2018 after graduating from Missouri State University with a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Statistics and Research Design. 

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Nicole Huson

Certification Coordinator

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science Degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She is near completion of a Master of Education in Cross-Categorical Studies from University of Missouri St. Louis.

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Kerry DeJesus

Bookkeeper / Office Administrator

Kerry has 20 years of experience working in orthodontic practice. Kerry graduated in 2002 from Advanced Dental Careers as a Certified Dental Assistant. Throughout Kerry’s career, she has excelled in many roles in the orthodontic office environment, including assisting, treatment coordination, and office administration.

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Marketing and Events Manager

Melissa Brydels joined the ABO in 2009 in the Meeting Planner/Public Relations position. Prior to this, she reported to executives in iconic St. Louis companies, including Anheuser-Busch and BJC Healthcare. Melissa attended St. Louis Community College where she studied Business Administration.