Our Crew
Our Crew
Vision
To be recognized as a national leader in engaging and inspiring professions to achieve their personal and professional goals through quality, creative, and innovative learning experience.
Mission statement
The mission of Smiles at Sea is to travel the world, 1CE at a time, providing high-quality continuing education opportunities to advance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. Bon voyage!
I have attended Smiles at Sea CE, and it was the BEST continuing education experience I have ever had the opportunity to attend. Elijah Desmond the founder of Smiles at Sea seeks out the industry's most sought after speakers. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, as well as family friendly. If you want to meet amazing positive and motivated people while gaining knowledge that you can put into action immediately, Smiles at Sea is the place to be!
Judy B.
Elijah Desmond
Captain, Owner of Smiles at Sea
AT 15 YEARS OLD, ELIJAH STARTED HIS CAREER AS A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER FOR KIDS. SINCE THEN HE HAS OWNED MULTIPLE BUSINESSES AND PUBLISHED A BOOK SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR FROM STARTUP TO SUCCESS
HIS PASSION IS CHANGING LIVES BY HELPING PEOPLE REALIZE THE BEAUTIFUL MIND THEY WERE BORN WITH!
ELIJAH HAS LIVED IN HONOLULU, HAWAII, LAS VEGAS NEVADA AND NOW RESIDES IN SOUTH FLORIDA WITH HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTERS
IN HIS FREE TIME, ELIJAH CRUISES SOME MORE!
Shauna Hurst
Vice President of Operations
ensureing the events run smoothly is Shauna's jam. She leads our team and oversees all aspects of our events to be sure that happens. Over the years in and out of her professional life Shauna always found herself organizing and planning fun events. So event planning is a natural fit for her second career after Dental Hygiene. With her love for travel, meeting new people, dentistry, and event planning she is a perfect fit for the smiles at sea team.
when not traveling, exploring new places and throwing amazing events Shaunas retired racing greyhound Beverly keeps her company at home. they often enjoy the outdoors taking walks (and naps) to fill their time.
Sandra Berger
CE Concierge
Sandra is an expert in all aspects of continuing education. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, AGD PACE provider, writer and national speaker, she is uniquely qualified to ensure our courses comply with accreditation standards. She loves to travel, meet new people, and help our guests get the answers they need.
When not cruising or visiting with her grandchildren, she and her red fox lab named Chip, work with young children and ESL students to help them read better in a “Read to Dogs” program.
Michelle Barrios
Director of Events
MICHELLE JOINED OUR TEAM AFTER HAVING A BLAST DURING A 2017 SMILES AT SEA CONFERENCE! HER ATTENTION TO DETAIL, LOVE FOR EVENT PLANNING, AND HUGE SMILE ARE A PERFECT FIT AS OUR DIRECTOR OF EVENTS.
IN ADDITION TO HER ROLE WITH SMILES AT SEA SHE IS VP OF OPERATIONS AT DRIVEN DENTAL IMPLANT MARKETING.
WHEN NOT CRUISING, MICHELLE LOVES SPENDING TIME WITH HER FAMILY AT THE POOL, AT THE BEACH, OR ON A BALL FIELD WATCHING HER OLDEST DAUGHTER PLAYING FAST PITCH SOFTBALL.
Kate McKinney
Influencer Concierge
Kate McKinney is the Speaker and Influencer Concierge for Smiles at Sea. After working in private practice for over a decade, she joined the Smiles at Sea team in 2021 and recently began working in the dental imaging industry. Kate’s fun-loving personality is a great fit for the team.
When not cruising she lives on her family's century farm with her husband, 3 kids, and 100,000 chickens!
Allison Justo
Vendor Concierge
Allison joined ourteam in 2021 when we were docked due to the pandemic. Her skills were helpful as we pivoted into a different direction while eagerly waiting to be on sea again. providing customer service is her specialty. She has a caring heart and brings another level of fun to the team
When she is not cruising she is traveling and hanging with her closest friends
