b'My Path to a Career inHEALTH & WELLNESSSome professionals know from a young age that they want to pursue a career in the health + wellness field. For others, the decision may come later and even be a second career. Read how our local practitioners were inspired to start or shift their careers in a health & wellness field.I KNEW .when I left the corporate worldthat I wanted to do something entrepreneurial that had purpose. I came across British Swim School, a franchise whose mission is to save lives, and that really sparked something in me. I liked the idea of teaching kids a life-saving skill that they will have forever, especially since drowning is the number one cause of death for children under four. Plus, 54 percent of adults cant swim so we teach them too. I have 10 swim schools now and love the positive impact we have on these communities.BRITISH SWIM SCHOOLRobert StapfWinchester Gardens, 333 Elmwood Ave, Maplewood201-645-1300| britishswimschool.com/hwfDEEGAN DENTAL & AIRWAY HEALTHDr. Effie Deegan23 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange973-736-4432 | deegandental.comI KNEW .when many of my patients with persistently red gums and heavy plaque, tooth grinding, chronically swollen tonsils, crooked teeth and shifting bites were not getting better with conventional dentistry, I had to find the root cause. Then I discovered the significance of airway and proper breathing, and it all made sense. Now, I have incorporated reliable treatment modalities into my prosthodontic practiceso I can help rehabilitate a patients mouth and their airway and positively affect their overall health and well-being.20/ matters magazine / winter 2025'