Valarie DiMiero, MSM, MBA, MHA
Valarie A. DiMiero, MSM, MBA, MHA, is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than two decades of experience spanning clinical care, operations, and business development. She began her career on the insurance side of healthcare as a claims processor, where she developed a deep understanding of the patient journey and a passion for helping others navigate complex systems. Her professional path was profoundly shaped by personal loss when her husband, a Type 1 diabetic, became critically ill and passed away at a young age. Determined to make a difference, Valarie transitioned into clinical care, pursuing nursing school and ultimately becoming a wound care specialist. This shift allowed her to advocate for patients from both personal and professional perspectives, bringing empathy and insight to every aspect of care.
Over the years, Valarie expanded her impact across hospitals and wound care centers, later stepping into roles as an educator, coach, mentor, and speaker. With the support of her family, she pursued advanced education, earning multiple degrees including three master’s degrees, further strengthening her expertise in healthcare leadership and operations. Between 2011 and 2017, she also founded and operated a woman-owned junk hauling and moving business in her community, combining entrepreneurship with service. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, which devastated her Connecticut community and resulted in the loss of her own home, Valarie used her business resources to support relief efforts—providing essential supplies and assistance to those in need. This experience deepened her commitment to community, resilience, and giving back.
Today, Valarie serves as Director of Operations for the Northeast region at Great Expressions Dental Centers, where she oversees multi-state operations and contributes to advancing patient care and organizational excellence. She also continues consulting work in wound care, bridging her clinical background with operational leadership. Known for her focus on compliance, structure, and team development, Valarie is a strategic leader who prioritizes compassion, empowerment, and collaboration. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cooking, karaoke, and volunteering, and remains dedicated to mentoring others and strengthening the communities she serves.
• Triple Master's Degrees
• Wound Care Specialist Certification
• Capella University
DHA, Health/Health Care Administration/Management
• University of Phoenix
MHA, Healthcare Administration and Informatics
• Albertus Magnus College
Masters, MBA
• ACHE
• National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel
• National Organization of Professional Women
• Brantford Hall Institute Academic Advisory Board (2007-2008)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Community Support During Superstorm Sandy
• Chamber of Commerce Community Giving
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my daughters and my parents, along with good work ethic and a strong family unit. My dad came from parents who came through Ellis Island, and he was an educator and principal who always told me about family units, ethics, and to always put my best foot forward. He taught me that kindness and inspiration will always lead you. My mom was a stay-at-home mom who raised 5 children, and we came from nothing. My parents helped to raise my two children while I went back to school and built my career. Raising my two daughters, who are now grown and thriving in their own careers, has been my greatest accomplishment. If I did one thing right, it was to raise my daughters, and what I always taught them was there will always be somebody smarter than you, better looking than you, more talented than you, but you can always be the kindest, and kindness will lead you to where you need to be.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to just worry about yourself, and when you worry about yourself and take care of yourself, cream will always rise to the top. This advice helped me stay focused on my own path and trust that if I did good work and took care of myself, success would follow naturally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to lead with compassion. Always lead with compassion, and the financial rewards will follow. I've learned throughout my career that when you put compassion first, whether it's for patients, colleagues, or your community, everything else falls into place. Always lead with compassion.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge facing young women entering the healthcare workspace right now is the lack of diversity. The world is so critical at the moment, and there's so much noise that can distract you from your goals. I believe that staying on the straight and narrow, avoiding the noise, and keeping your head up will make you a winner. It's about pushing through despite the lack of diversity and the negativity around us.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me both professionally and personally are honesty, kindness, and respect. These three values guide everything I do, whether I'm working with my team, advocating for patients, or raising my daughters. I believe that if you lead with these values, you can make a real difference in people's lives and create meaningful relationships.
Locations
Great Expressions Dental Centers
146 High St apt 210, Milford, CT 06460