Shelly M. Turner, RDH, MBA, MS is an author, educator, mentor, and lifelong believer in the power of self-reflection, meaningful conversations, and personal growth.

With more than 30 years of experience in dentistry, Shelly has spent much of her professional life caring for others, mentoring colleagues, developing educational programs, and learning something invaluable along the way: Behind every profession, every responsibility, and every relationship is a human being with a story worth understanding.

That understanding has become the foundation of her writing.

As the founder of SASS with Me, Shelly combines her background in healthcare, education, and leadership with her passion for helping people navigate the challenges of everyday life. Her books explore the often-overlooked connections between emotional well-being, professional sustainability, communication, accountability, and the relationships that shape our lives.

From Burnout Is a Capacity Signal and Dental Diary to The Aligned Room and The Power of Apologies & Accountability, her writing invites readers to slow down, ask meaningful questions, embrace honest self-reflection, and recognize that growth rarely requires perfection—only a willingness to begin.

While many of her books are inspired by the realities of healthcare, their messages reach far beyond the clinical setting. Shelly believes that whether we are caring for patients, leading teams, navigating relationships, or simply trying to find our footing in a demanding world, we all benefit from a little more understanding, compassion, and grace.

She writes with the belief that awareness is where change begins, accountability is how change takes shape, and balance is something we learn to create—not something we magically find.

Above all, Shelly hopes her words remind readers that they are more than their responsibilities, their accomplishments, or their most difficult moments.

You are allowed to pause. You are allowed to grow. And you are allowed to thrive—not just endure.