Dr. Richard D. Downs, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, D-GMDIA, D-ASBA

Founder, Sleep Balance Academy

Dr. Richard Downs is a retired dentist practitioner whose career encompasses a comprehensive focus on advanced dental disciplines, including implantology, dental sleep medicine, cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, orthodontics, periodontology, and endodontics. His contributions extend to ongoing research into volatile organic compounds and viral factors in periodontitis, emphasizing cytokine immune responses and their modulation through ozone, hypochlorous acid, and chlorine dioxide. This research underpins Oracare Products’ development of advanced oral care solutions.

Dr. Downs earned his B.S. and D.D.S. degrees from the University of Iowa, served as a Navy dental officer, and practiced privately for over forty years. He is a Diplomate in the American Sleep and Breathing Academy and The Global Mini-Dental Implant Association, and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Misch Institute, and International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

His entrepreneurial ventures include Oracare, USA-Guard, Designs4Dental, and the Dental-Chiropractic Collaborative. He co-founded Sleep Balance Academy and continues to pioneer interdisciplinary collaboration in airway and sleep medicine.

Dr. Russell John Kort, DC

Lead Clinician, Doctor EMF Research Team

Dr. Russell Kort is an author, public speaker, chiropractor, and lead clinician of the Doctor EMF treatment and research team. He chairs the DefenderShield medical advisory board and was awarded the 2019 Innovator of the Year by Brain Tap Technologies. His research focuses on concussion-like symptoms associated with EMF exposure (“Havana Syndrome”) and their impact on sleep, cognition, and neurological function.

As a faculty member of Sleep Balance Academy, Dr. Kort integrates education, diagnostics, and telemedicine programs to support patients suffering from EMF hypersensitivity and related conditions.

Dr. Geoffrey Skinner, DDS, D-AADSM, D-ASBA

Creator, The Portland Protocol

Dr. Skinner developed the Portland Protocol, a minimally invasive system for treating sleep apnea and snoring. A recipient of the Invisalign Doctor of the Year Award, he is a lecturer for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and a key opinion leader for CandidPro and Fotona Lasers.

He founded the AIR Institute (Airway, Invisalign, and Rejuvenation Institute) to teach doctors worldwide advanced dental and sleep medicine therapies. Dr. Skinner’s educational roots trace to the University of Iowa, recognized among the world’s leading dental schools.

Joanette Biebesheimer, MS

Research & Training Specialist

Ms. Biebesheimer has over twenty-three years of experience in biochemistry, technical sales, and public speaking. She has trained and coached a sales force of more than 4,000 individuals, regularly presenting to large audiences. Her current work focuses on the biological effects of EMF radiation on human health.

Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist

Shirley Gutkowski is a practicing orofacial myofunctional therapist and Buteyko breathing educator in Sun Prairie, WI. She trained under Joy Moeller and Patrick McKeown and is nationally known as an author and international speaker. Her work centers on airway therapy, prevention, and myofunctional education for medical and dental professionals.

Kandra Sellers, RDH

Founder, Pristine Interprofessional Academy

Kandra Sellers is an educator and coach in oral-systemic health and medical billing. As CEO of Pristine Interprofessional Academy, she trains healthcare teams to implement advanced hygiene techniques and medical-dental collaboration. Her programs emphasize the Oral Systemic Link and practical billing protocols to elevate practice performance.

Dr. Joseph Zelk, DNP, FNP, BC, CBSM, DBSM

Medical Director, Sleep Balance Academy

Dr. Zelk is a board-certified sleep specialist with expertise in home sleep diagnostics, CPAP titration, and mandibular advancement therapy. He serves as Medical Director for Sleep Balance Academy, AIR Institute, and Sleep Medicine Group. His research includes oral appliance therapy and hybrid sleep medicine treatments.

He has held faculty roles with OHSU and the VA Medical Center in Portland and has over twenty years of experience in interdisciplinary sleep medicine education.

Dr. Shane Smith, DC

Chiropractic Faculty, Sleep Balance Academy

Dr. Smith earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Life Chiropractic College West and served as a field doctor for upper cervical outreach in El Salvador. He teaches specialized vertebral care and shockwave therapy for TMJ and autonomic nervous system regulation — essential for comprehensive sleep apnea care. He also leads the chiropractic education division at Sleep Balance Academy.