Are you exhausted from running a "successful" practice that feels like it’s running you?
You already know the practice could produce more and demand less. You just haven’t had the numbers, the team, and the leadership underneath you to make it happen.
Join FoundationsAre you exhausted with…
1
Being the only one who can put out every fire so you can’t leave for a week without something breaking.
2
Knowing your surface-level numbers, but not where your money actually goes or why there’s nothing left at month’s end.
3
Carrying a team that waits for you to have every answer, instead of one that leads.
4
Making decisions from fear - the rushed hire, the raise you’re scared to give - instead of opportunity.
5
Building something successful on paper - while you feel resentful and further from freedom.
Are you ready for massive transformation?
Foundations works for the doctor who can say yes to these:
i.
You’re committed to consistent action across your mindset, practice, culture, and time freedom.
ii.
You take full ownership of your results.
iii.
You see mentorship as an investment, not an expense.
If that’s you, keep reading.
I'm Ready - Take Me To FoundationsHere’s what Foundations delivers.
10–20%
Grow your true cash flow within 3 to 6 months.
A team
Grow a team that supports you and is accountable.
Time off
Take vacations without guilt or fear.
Clarity
Make decisions from opportunity instead of fear.
Inside Foundations.
90 DAY PLAN:
In your first month, you'll start to understand the numbers behind your practice - the ones that currently feel stressful, confusing, or so overwhelming you don't even look at them. By the end of your first 30 days, we'll turn those numbers into a clear 90-day plan on exactly what you need to change to increase production, decrease your in-office hours, and build up your team to take responsibility for the stats.Â
Two group coaching calls a month
Co-led by Dr. Summer Kassmel and Dr. Karley Schneider. One on your numbers, one on leadership.
A custom monthly analytics report
We reconcile your QuickBooks and practice-management software, then show you what your numbers are telling you.
One Leaders Collective seat
A leader seat included — so you’re not the only one carrying the vision.
The Ladder5 resource vault & CE library
Full access to on-demand resources and continuing education, all in one place.
Drs. Summer Kassmel & Karley Schneider
Both current coaches, trained in the Ladder5 methodology.
Option to add 1:1 support with Dr. Karley
Layer dedicated one-on-one mentorship with Dr. Karley on top of your membership whenever you’re ready.
Led by doctors who’ve done the climb.
Dr. Summer Kassmel
As a practicing dentist with over 23 years of experience, I know what it means to build a practice from the ground up. Early in my career, I faced the same challenges many women doctors experience – overwhelm, uncertainty in leadership, and the belief that success required personal sacrifice.
I followed the traditional playbook, but it never felt quite right. On paper, I was succeeding but in reality, I was burning out and drifting from the values and leadership style that felt authentic to me.
After years of trial, growth, and reinvention, I discovered what truly works: women doctors don’t need to conform to outdated models to lead powerfully and profitably. We need tools, systems, and strategies built for our strengths.
Today, I’m the CEO and owner of two large, multi-doctor practices in Colorado, a Fortune 5000 recipient, and faculty for the Dental Success Network. I also lead the Lady Leaders of Dentistry Group, a vibrant community created to support and empower women doctors.
My greatest passion is Ladder5 Mentorship, where I help women dentists implement elite-level systems, reduce overhead, and make smart, data-driven decisions without losing themselves in the process. I created the 5 Pillars framework to transform how women approach leadership, business growth, and personal fulfillment.
In addition to coaching, I founded:
- Dental Assistant Schools Delivered – empowering doctors to train assistants within their practices
- Dental Career Academy – a comprehensive online training platform for front office teams
Everything I teach is rooted in real-world experience, designed to help you build a life and practice you truly love.
Dr. Karley Schneider
Dr. Karley Schneider lives and practices in the sunny, mountainous town of Tucson, Arizona. She has purchased three practices, run two practices simultaneously, and recently sold one practice as she continues to find that perfect work life balance. She has been an associate, an owner doctor, a solo provider and employed her own associates. Currently, Dr. Schneider owns a fee-for-service office where she has become very familiar with the unique aspects of geriatric dentistry and the benefits of guiding patient care without the influence and burden of dental insurance.She has experienced fast paced, insurance driven, younger practices as well as insurance free, experience driven, more established practices and can speak to both perspectives.
Dr. Schneider has always been interested in the artistic side of dentistry. While she strives to provide every patient with a healthy, long lasting smile, she finds fun in designing aesthetically beautiful smiles and executing large cosmetic cases. Her passion for aesthetics in dentistry has also led Dr. Schneider to pursue her interest in facial aesthetics and integrating services like botox, filler and microneedling into her dental practice. In 2024 Dr. Schneider started a side project called Glow Collective, where she works with other female business owners in the aesthetic and wellness industry to provide them with a collective place for their work and to foster a community with likeminded professionals. Today Glow Collective houses Dr. Schneider’s aesthetic branch called Sonoran Facial Aesthetics, a therapeutic masseuse, a facial esthetician, a nurse injector and a make up artist.Â
When Dr. Schneider is not practicing dentistry or facial aesthetics, she can almost always be found with her husband Luke, and their amazing young kids, Lily and Kolter. As a family, the Schneiders love to travel, golf, swim, and stay active. In 2022 Lily was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two. While the diagnoses sent the Schneiders into a tailspin, they have found ways to be stronger as a family, have learned more about balancing family needs and work responsibilities, and have come together with their community to fundraise for a cure. Since 2022 Dr. Schneider has planned fundraising events in her offices, promoted diabetes and oral health education and hosted charity game nights. Her efforts have helped raise more than $100,000 for Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).Â
Dr. Schneider has an intimate understanding of the unique struggles and exceptional strengths that can come from balancing a successful practice and close-knit family. She has learned many lessons, sometimes in hard ways, through buying, managing, growing and selling practices. And she loves to share her experiences as a female practice owner, clinician and mother.Â
Dr. Schnieder is a Black Belt Coach for Dental Success Institute alongside Dr. Kassmel, in addition to them working on multiple projects together.
Redefine The ClimbÂ
 "Coach Summer Kassmel embodies so much of who I want to become: confident, thoughtful, and successful. Her Ladder5 program delivers impactful lessons in an organized and implementable way. I recommend Ladder5 to those looking for time-saving insights from a leader in our field who is also a wonderful person." - Dr. A Garrad
"Summer has been fantastic to work with!! Not only have our financials improved, but the improved culture at the office makes running a dental practice a much more enjoyable atmosphere. Thanks to her advising!"Â - Dr. A Heckman
The answers are inside Foundations.
Direct checkout. No application. An onboarding form arrives the moment you enroll.
Begins Aug 28th, 2026. Spots are intentionally limited, and each membership includes one Leaders Collective seat.
