When ‘One Day’ Becomes Day One: Announcing Devyn Kilmeade as President of Airway Health Solutions
From a childhood dream to a shared professional mission—this mother–daughter moment marks a new chapter for Airway Health Solutions, a leader in airway-focused dental education.
Any Gen Xers remember the 1989 movie Parenthood with Steve Martin? (It’s a classic I’ve also shared with my Millennial and Gen Z kids!)
There’s a particular scene that still gets me choked up—Steve Martin’s character is tucking in his 9-year-old son when the boy says, “Dad… when I grow up, can I work where you work? That way, we can still see each other every day.” Cue the waterworks.
I was 19 years old when I first watched that scene, sitting in my hometown movie theater, and I remember thinking: I would love that one day when I have kids…
Well, “one day” is now. Flash forward to 2025, and I’m incredibly proud and overjoyed to share that my daughter, Devyn Kilmeade—who was just a dream back in 1989—has officially been appointed President of Airway Health Solutions.
Normally, when we form a new partnership or announce leadership changes, I’d just send out a factual press release. But this… this is different. There’s a story here. A legacy. And a deep well of emotion I want to share—especially with my fellow female dental entrepreneurs and practice owners. After all, it takes a village. We all learn from each other.
Devyn has shown curiosity about my work ever since middle school—watching me build my career as a dental hygienist, Invisalign Territory Specialist, Oral-Systemic Avenger, Podium Speaker, Educator, and now my current role as CEO and Founder of Airway Health Solutions. In fact, from December 2019 through early 2020, she helped manage AHS live events—until the world changed and we pivoted to virtual learning.
But we both knew early on that Devyn needed her own path. She wanted to learn from bosses who didn’t birth her—experience real-world dynamics, understand professional expectations, and earn her stripes.
And she did.
Over the last decade, Devyn has carved out an impressive journey:
- She became a top-selling Cutco rep, demonstrating early leadership and communication skills, was promoted to manager, and even earned an award to meet the Cutco CEO.
- She transitioned into nutraceutical sales, and during the pandemic, launched her own health and wellness startup.
- In 2021, she was accepted into Align Technology’s elite Sales Associate Training Program and moved to Raleigh.
- By 2022, she was promoted to Territory Manager, working hands-on with general dentists to grow their Invisalign practices.
- She earned a reputation as an “Airway Specialist,” helping train teams and guiding practices on how expansion supports airway health.
Meanwhile, AHS was expanding too. I entered a partnership with Toothpillow, with the mission of bringing growth guidance appliances and myofunctional therapy to the masses. Knowing Devyn’s passion and growing expertise, I wholeheartedly recommended her for the role of Director of Business Development at Toothpillow in August 2024.
There, she gained deeper insights into pediatric airway health and early intervention in dentistry and experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs of startup life.
By mid-2025, I could see something powerful unfolding—Devyn’s skills, knowledge, and leadership were rising in step with the growth of AHS. The timing felt right, as if the stars had finally aligned.
Dr. Ben Miraglia, Chief Clinical Officer of AHS, who has watched Devyn’s journey unfold, shared: “I’ve seen Devyn grow into a dynamic, insightful, and mission-driven professional. She has a rare blend of heart, hustle, and vision. I wholeheartedly said yes to her joining AHS—and I have no doubt she’ll take it to new heights.”
In May 2025, Devyn officially accepted the role of President of AHS.
Devyn shared her thoughts on this new chapter:
“I’m honored to step into the role of President of Airway Health Solutions. After years in this space, learning, growing, and seeing the power of airway-focused care, I’m excited to help lead our mission forward.
I’ve had a front-row seat to this movement since my mom founded AHS, and I’ve spent the past few years building the experience I needed to contribute on a bigger level. I’ve watched people I love—friends, colleagues, and now their kids—struggle with issues that all tie back to airway health. Helping them find answers has fueled my passion, and now I’m focused on expanding that impact—bringing awareness, solutions, and change to a much broader community.
This may have started as my mom’s vision, but it’s become a shared mission, and I’m proud to carry our family business forward with purpose and heart.”
All the boxes were checked. AHS is strong. The moment had come.
We’re moving forward—together.
From dream to legacy, from “one day” to day one, it’s the beginning of something truly special.
It is my absolute honor to welcome Devyn Kilmeade as President of Airway Health Solutions.
Watch out for this mother–daughter duo—when love, vision, and purpose align, there’s no limit to the impact we can make.
Lessons from the Journey
From one DeW to another, here are a few insights I’ve gained along the way:
- Let them find their own path. Give them space to grow beyond you.
- Be patient. The right moment to collaborate will come.
- Stay open to evolving roles. Family business journeys aren’t linear.
- Embrace your feminine edge. Empathy and ambition can go hand in hand.
Have you walked a similar path? I’d love to hear your lessons. Feel free to email me at lauren@laurengueits.com or share in the comments—let’s continue to lift one another up and pay it forward through the next generation.
About the Author
Lauren continues to advocate for oral and airway health through her roles as Adjunct Guest Faculty at New York University and as a board member for the Children’s Airway First Foundation.