In Loving Memory of Donna Cates

Show up fully. Believe in your people.
Do the work with heart.

wife, mother, leader

do it like donna

donna cates

1969 - 2026

In May 2026, our beloved Executive Director of Practice Development, Donna Cates, passed away after a private and courageous battle with cancer. For nine years she inspired us and our clients by being fully present and genuinely invested in people. She believed in everyone she worked with, even when they hadn’t quite learned how to believe in themselves yet. Donna was the heartbeat behind so much of what we do, and we honor her here.
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Throughout her years as a valued member of our team, Donna became family. We traveled together, laughed together, and built the kind of friendships that only come from truly knowing someone far beyond the professional. She was one of those rare people who made everything better just by being part of it, and the bond we shared as a group was something we will treasure forever.

Donna possessed a rare combination of knowledge, talent, and leadership. She could walk into any department and immediately connect with the people in it. She knew the business of dentistry and the human side of it equally well, and her clients felt it. She raised the standard for all of us, and constantly reminded us what excellence really looks like.

As inspirational as she was, it’s no wonder Donna’s fingerprints are on so many relationships, so many practices, and so many people who show up differently because of her. Here are a few words from those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

“She was a beautiful person inside and out and a wonderful mentor to us all.”

—Dr. Bonifate

“We have known each other for almost a decade and Donna has a big place in our hearts. She was integral to our team building. She truly cared for Newtown Smile and all the NSD team members. Her beautiful smile and voice will be missed forever.”

—Sean Lee, DDS

“I have such fond memories of Donna and always loved when she came to my office. She brought an incredible energy, warmth, and positivity with her, and she had a way of making everyone around her better. Her knowledge and dedication were extraordinary, but what I will remember most is how genuinely caring she was. She touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.”

—Dr. Daniel Stern

“In the short time we knew her, it was so clear that Donna possessed a quiet, yet absolute powerhouse of a spirit. She was such a massive help to us and played such a special role in helping to grow our practice.”

—Deena Ritter

“I truly enjoyed working with her- she helped me numerous times, very knowledgeable, respectful, kind. I knew she had my back when I needed her help with office problems! I feel privileged to have been able to know and work with such a great person.”

—Dr. Jason Lizzack

“Donna was an extraordinary person whose wisdom, kindness, and passion for helping others left a lasting impact on our team and on our practice. Donna's guidance inspired us to grow, her encouragement gave us confidence, and her genuine care for people made her truly unforgettable. We feel incredibly fortunate to have known her and to have benefited from her mentorship.”

—Central Park Dental Aesthetics

“Donna was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She was always supportive, encouraging, and uplifting in the workplace, but her friendship meant more to me than many people know. We shared honest, raw conversations, and I only hope I was able to give back even a fraction of the love, light, and support that she so freely gave to others.”

—Lindsay, Finance Manager

“I feel privileged to have been able to meet and work with Donna. She made a mark on me and my team in such a short time and I will always be grateful to have had her energy and encouragement while we did.”

—Dr. Erin

"Though we didn't get to spend too much time with Donna, her gentle nature and bright attitude left a great impression on us."

—Dr. K., Ixchell, and the Hackettstown Advanced Dental Care Team

"Donna was a lovely person who helped me immensely in the hiring arena. She will certainly be missed."

—Dr. Kaggen

“It was so clear to me how knowledgeable, dedicated, and genuinely invested she was in the success of the practices and the people she worked with. Reading about her impact on your team and the many lives she touched was truly moving.”

—Dr. Alexis Gersten

"Donna was wonderful to work with, and I will always remember her positivity and willingness to help with my office."

—Min Chao, DMD

"Donna was such an amazing person. She definitely knew how to make an impression with everyone she met in the office, and she will be missed."

—Dr. Isaac Menasha

"She was an awesome member of the team and glad we got to meet her and take advantage of her knowledge!"

—Dr. Paghdiwala

"Donna was a true inspiration to all that worked with her, a real sweetheart. Always had a smile."

—Dr. Brenner

"We are heartbroken!"

—Dr. Goldberg

"Donna was incredible and so respected. We will miss her."