Denise Price Thomas – Together, We Shine Brighter

“Denise Price Thomas was the Keynote Speaker & returned to speak as “Gladys Friday” Healthcare Comedian ~ two speakers / one person = one informative & FUN EVENT. With the theme being “It Takes A Village,” Denise shared true stories of compassion, customer service and communication delivering laughter and tears. “Gladys” brought up the rear with a dose of healthy humor in a room full of sparkling, CAVITY FREE SMILES!”

Deedra A. Donley, MEd, MSOM Director, Continuing Dental Education

The UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC

“What a joy and inspiration you were to me! If we could all apply your ideas, what a world we could have. You touched my heart and were a blessing to my soul. Your passion shows through”

Watauga Eye Center

“You have helped us begin a new journey with JOY!”

Watauga Eye Center

Dermatology Group of the Carolinas is now an even better place because of “Denise”. She was so enthusiastic with her presentation. Also, she was able to engage with each and every one of our staff members. The fashion show was also very beneficial to let each of us know how our individual personalities can and do effect the workplace. Situations were also shared with our staff members to make them think about how they are interacting and are providing customer service to patients, staff members, and our providers. Dermatology Group of the Carolinas looks forward to working with Denise on future presentations and how to improve our practice.

Amy Walters, Operations Manager

Dermatology Group of the Carolinas

It was our distinct honor to have Denise provide our keynote and evening entertainment at the Annual Meeting of Carolina Chapter of the American Association of
Healthcare Administrative Managers in May, 2011.

Her connection with our attendees was immediate. The wisdom she shared was both timely and encouraging. Her knowledge of our issues and willingness to spend time
with us individually put her over the top.

It is an honor to know her and I highly recommend her to your group or conference.

John Cook, President

Carolina AAHAM

Please be informed that we have a great motivational speaker here in Gaston County,
Gastonia, NC. This lady has been a speaker for our group for ten years and we never tire of hearing her. She will have you on the edge of your seat, crying, or laughing. The things she makes you stop and think about are just so incredible. Her passion for people
is so obvious each time we hear her and seems to grow with every engagement she attends.

Denise Thomas is Administrator of Gastonia Surgical Associates, by day; wife, mother, and grandmother, along with being the owner of DPT Healthcare Consulting and Training and Healthcare Comedian, by night. She is a multi-talented person, juggling every job, wearing many hats, and keeping her perspectives always in the right place.

This lady has made a great impression on our chapter and always reminding us the importance of excellent healthcare practice. She is where she is today because of life experiences that have not been easy for her, but like all of us, must find humor a great resource in overcoming and excelling in the areas God has so graciously given.

We really appreciate Denise’s truthfulness and her manner of bringing to light our shortcomings in a way that makes us excited to change our wrong way of thinking.
Believe me! You will not be disappointed. Thanks for having her as your guest.

Patsy Jenkins, CMA (AAMA), Office Administrator

Vice President/ Program Planner of Gaston County Chapter of Medical Assistants

“After hearing Denise Thomas speak at various events and meetings for healthcare workers I thought that it would be beneficial for her to speak to the staff in our office. She accepted my invitation and spoke to them during a lunch staff meeting. She was great! The staff loved it, especially the way she interjected humor with the points she wanted to make. Everyone learned a lot and had a much more positive attitude about their part in the medical office after hearing her. Days after Denise was there they were still discussing things she said. It was great for me because she could say things that I was unable to say because they knew she knew nothing about them. Therefore, they did not see her remarks as personal attacks. I would recommend Denise Thomas to speak to any group- large or small. She has much to offer after her many years of experience in the healthcare field and her delivery is enjoyed by all who hear her”.

Denise Tanner, Office Administrator

Anthony Medical Clinic, PA

“Denise Thomas is not only effective and engaging in her seminars, she lives every word of her professionalism, enthusiasm and respect every day. She will engage you and your staff to become better employees and people in a world we struggle in on a daily basis. I highly recommend her to assist you in taking your staff to the next level of customer service as well as enhancing your interoffice personal interactions.”

Julie Sikes

Practice Administrator

“I have heard Denise speak on several occasions, and her message is great! She is able to convey the message of customer service in Health Care with her humor and compassion. A wonderful way to remind us all that our patients are REAL people and deserve to be treated as such!”

Jane Byrum, COPM Practice Administrator

ENT Carolina, PA

Let me tell you about my friend, Denise Price Thomas AKA “Gladys Friday” and her many other alter egos. Denise has a gift that not many people have. She is a friend for life the moment you meet her. She is always coming up with events that give back to our community like “The Topless Cruise” as in convertibles parading down the road to raise money for Cancer Services, benefiting local patients who are living with cancer. In fact, when my Mom was having her first cancer treatment in the hospital, who did I see – Denise! What a God Send she was that day! I was trying to be brave and strong for my Mom and when I saw Denise, her hug and smile brightened my day and gave me the strength that I needed. She made my Mom feel very special too. If you are looking for someone to present a program on Customer Service, then look no further. Not only will she leave a lasting impression, but will deliver the message with fun and excitement that will get the message across to all who see her. I have been privileged to see her a number of times in different settings. Whether you are a church group, business or conference of hundreds she will keep your group engaged as she gives her message. She will not disappoint! I highly recommend my friend Denise Price Thomas.

Susan S. Lockridge

Gaston County Register of Deeds

“I have had the pleasure of working with Denise Thomas for more than 10 years as Administrators of successful medical practices in Gaston County. She is a wonderful person with a big heart and a great leader who sets a positive example for everyone she meets.

Denise is a dynamic speaker with excellent presentation skills. She combines down-to-earth common sense, and a natural sense of humor, to drive home fundamental customer service principles. She is both personable and witty which always bridges the gap between her audience and the concepts she teaches.

I highly recommend Denise for any company that aspires to provide excellent customer service throughout its organization. Always a Job Well-Done!”

Rick Keener, Administrator

Gaston Radiology, PA

Denise Thomas does a terrific job teaching new staff (and reminding the ones that should know already) the importance of customer service. She has a delightful and entertaining way of bringing home the importance of communication, compassion and being in the right job.

She steps on a few toes (figuratively) and makes you think about the things that are important to those that come into your office. Our staff enjoyed her awesome wit and always look forward to having her back.

Denise puts just the right amount of humor into her presentation and is always professional. I would highly recommend her to anyone.

Connie Wilson, Manager

CIS

Dear Denise,

I just wanted to thank you and Gladys Friday for joining us at the Southern Regional Alliance meeting in Raleigh. Your sensible thoughts on communications strategies seemed to hit home for the audience. We all thought your delivery was spot on – we must always “Say What We Mean, Mean What We Say, but Don’t Say It Meanly.” And then Gladys brought the funny! She had us rolling in the aisles. I will never look at a bag of flour the same again!

I look forward to working with you at some capacity again in the future.

Julie Newman Chair, Membership Marketing Advisory Committee

AMA Alliance

Dear Denise:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in the New England Quality Care Alliance Fall Forum at Lombardo’s in Randolph, MA on October 7, 2009. You did such a wonderful job entertaining and educating the doctors, nurses, and office administrators in attendance. Each of your two presentations, Patient Eyes and Health, Hope & Humor was extremely well received by the 60 attendees at each. I too am a great believer in using humor to educate and motivate.

After speaking with you on several occasions before the event, I knew I could count on you to be well prepared and professional, what I didn’t anticipate was how infectious your enthusiasm really was. It truly was a pleasure to work with someone who is so obviously passionate about their work.

Denise, I want thank you again for helping to make the New England Quality Care Alliance Fall Forum a success.

Lisa Bronstein

American Health Resources, Inc

It is an honor to know her and I highly recommend her to your group or conference.

John Cook, President

Carolina AAHAM

“What a joy it was to have Denise as our guest speaker for our women’s event at our church this past Saturday. She has a unique way of combining humor but yet tells it like it is. She brought us a great message but yet made us laugh at the same time. She is certainly a gifted speaker and I would highly recommend her.”

Janet Johns

Catawba Heights Baptist Church, Belmont, NC

“Thanks so much for your performance. It was very special. Laughter is good for the soul and we got just what we needed. What a lesson I learned!
Only one problem, our 98 year old Senior Pastor nearly fell out of his chair, he was laughing so hard! Everyone has told me just how much they loved the program and I’m sure you felt the love. It’s not good to quench the Holy Spirit when He’s at work and God truly showed up and met our needs that night.
Thank you again and may God Bless!!”

Polly Tyra

Parkwood Baptist Church

“I consider myself very privileged to have heard you today. I can’t wait to step aside and let God let me be the best I can be.”

Stacey Newton

Grace Community Church

“What a blessing you were to me tonight!”

Lisa Hoyle

“I really enjoyed Denise tonight. It’s always good to laugh and have a good time in the Lord. God bless you!”

Gail Bell

“I LOVED you and your sense of humor is awesome! Your smile is very contagious. Thank you!”

Kim Stewart

“I thoroughly enjoyed tonight with Denise! You are such a JOY and I hope you continue to spread your JOY to others”

Marie Gaddis

“I want to BE like YOU!”

(this note was hand written and personally given to Denise by a precious 10 year old girl following the program ~ what a lesson Denise learned from that note!)

Grace Community Church

“It was a true pleasure to have you join us for CeramaJam. You added the perfect touch to our event and our guests enjoyed hearing what you had to say. You really connected with them.”

Crista Toler

Bisque Imports | Chief Visualizer

“We enjoyed your fashion show of characters and very much needed the laughter that ensued. It was good to be reminded to choose our characters wisely and to make the most of our time each day. Thank you again for a wonderful presentation.”

Linda B. Stone, LCAEOP Co-President

“We’ve used Denise multiple times in our offices for staff customer service training. Denise always provides great takeaways during her talk. Her training is peppered with great stories and just the right amount of humor. We always have positive feedback from staff after she’s visited. Her unique approach and personal touch is why we continue to ask her to come back. I would highly recommend her for your customer service training needs.”

David W. Burns, MBA, FACMPE, FACHE

UNC REX Digestive Healthcare

Julie Sikes, Practice Administrator

For our recent Staff Enrichment Day, Denise spoke to our health care team of 100. Several of us were fortunate enough to hear her speak at a state conference and knew she would be the perfect person to motivate our staff. Denise delivers her message of the critical importance of Customer Service and Compassion in health care in such a way that everyone aspires to do better. From the time she steps in the room, she creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. She sparks laughter, and even a few tears, with her stories of characters she’s encountered, and the compassion and empathy needed to treat patients on a daily basis. Throughout, she reminded us that a smile is never forgotten and doesn’t cost us a thing. Thank you, Denise, for making our day brighter! You exceeded our expectations in every way.”

Tricia Blanco, Chief Personnel Officer

Georgia Highlands Medical Services, Inc

Denise Price Thomas was hilarious and very on point
We were encouraged to do the right thing by always being compassionate with our patients. Ms. Price – excellent speaker, motivational, I could listen to her speak again on similar topic, She related to us and encouraged us to keep doing what we are doing. Having her back for a pep talk would be a shot in the arm !!
I loved Ms Price’s talk because she was so relatable and made me laugh. It didn’t feel like a “training” !!
The presenter who spoke about kindness, she was amazing and very friendly

Georgia Highlands Conference

For our recent Staff Enrichment Day, Denise spoke to our health care team of 100. Several of us were fortunate enough to hear her speak at a state conference and knew she would be the perfect person to motivate our staff. Denise delivers her message of the critical importance of Customer Service and Compassion in health care in such a way that everyone aspires to do better. From the time she steps in the room, she creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. She sparks laughter, and even a few tears, with her stories of characters she’s encountered, and the compassion and empathy needed to treat patients on a daily basis.
Throughout, she reminded us that a smile is never forgotten and doesn’t cost us a thing. Thank you, Denise, for making our day brighter! You exceeded our expectations in every way.

Tricia Blanco, Chief Personnel Office

Georgia Highlands Medical Services, Inc.

Special thanks to Denise Price Thomas for being with us this morning to help us recharge our hearts. It was a bright spot in our week and we hope it will help us to continue to shine as we serve families during a very strange time in our world. Please come visit us anytime Denise, you are so inspiring, especially in today’s world. Thank you for sharing your smile and positivity!

McLean Funeral Directors