2024 Women in Business

Meet Berks Women and their Businesses!

Starting a business is one thing, but sticking to its needs and serving customers day in and day out is what it takes to achieve success. You’ve likely heard it can be a grind, but these local ladies on the following pages, who own or support businesses by playing an important role within them, know how to do things right.

Looking to achieve your own business success or to be an important member of a team? Sometimes a bit of inspiration is all you need to keep going. Here are some insightful words from well-known successful women we hope will help…

“I don’t know the word ‘quit.’ Either I never did, or I have abolished it.” Susan Butcher

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Helen Keller

“Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” Coco Chanel

“I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” Oprah Winfrey

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” Estee Lauder

Now get to know these Berks business women a bit better…

Ann Marie Lander

Owner | The Cherry on Top

When Ann Marie Lander moved to Exeter Township in 2013, she knew she wanted to make a positive impact in her community. Having already launched two successful small businesses, she decided to start one dedicated to a popular dessert — ice cream!

The Cherry on Top, Ann Marie’s dessert truck, debuted at the Exeter Township Harvest Day in the fall of 2019. Over the past four years, it has made stops at a variety of events, including birthday parties, fundraisers, showers, school functions, corporate events, weddings and anywhere else ice cream is desired.

In 2020, Ann Marie purchased a commercial lot in Exeter Township near Shelbourne Road where she parks The Cherry on Top and opens to the public alongside other food trucks. As she enters the fifth year of running her business, Ann Marie hopes to expand outside of Berks County.

Her goal for the Shelbourne property is to bring community members together and offer something unique and fun to her township. She continues to invite other food trucks and small businesses to join The Cherry on Top on the property. The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance is scheduled for this spring to kick off the ice cream season! You can find the truck’s schedule on the website and on social media.

25 Shelbourne Rd., Reading

973.270.4585 | thecherryontoppa.com

Christine H. Cho, DO

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Owner Cho Plastic Surgery

As a resilient immigrant from Korea, Dr. Christine Cho embarked on her journey to the United States at the tender age of 4. This early experience instilled in her the values of adversity, hard work and unwavering perseverance — qualities that have been integral to shaping her into the accomplished and compassionate surgeon she stands as today.

Dr. Cho, the only female double board-certified plastic surgeon in Berks County, started her career as a general plastic and reconstructive surgeon more than ten years ago, treating the whole patient from cancer reconstruction to traumatic face and hand injuries and aesthetic surgery. She built and directed a medical spa and was integral in starting a highly sought-after and competitive independent plastic surgery fellowship. She is the chair of clinical competency and devotes time to training future plastic surgeons and works with them to develop research projects to improve quality, safety and ultimately, patients’ surgical outcomes.

Dr. Cho’s remarkable journey reflects her fusion of artistry and scientific acumen, underscored by her unflagging resolve and tireless pursuit of excellence. Her story exemplifies the embodiment of a true visionary in the field of surgical arts.

She now owns the new Cho Plastic Surgery in Wyomissing with a focus on injectables, lasers, skin and hair health and cosmetic surgeries involving the face, breast and body. She also developed her own medical-grade skin care line exclusively available at Cho Plastic Surgery. Her approach to plastic surgery is a holistic one, focusing on the patient as a whole. She wants to make sure that patients are mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for surgery. She also tailors her treatment plans to each individual patient, taking into account their ethnicity, values and concerns.

Dr. Cho believes that building long-lasting relationships with her patients is essential to providing the best possible care. She encourages patients to express their concerns and wishes in a safe and supportive environment. She listens attentively to understand their goals so that everyone is on the same page.

Connect with her for your cosmetic consultation.

2201 Ridgewood Rd., Ste. 190, Wyomissing

484.709.2956 | choplasticsurgery.com

Kreitz | Gallen-Schutt

Kreitz | Gallen-Schutt is a boutique law firm in Wyomissing that specializes in the areas of estate planning, estate administration and elder law. The firm is led by attorneys Robert Kreitz and Vicki Gallen-Schutt, both who have both been practicing law in Berks County for more than 25 years. But it’s their friendly and experienced female team that helps to serve their clients both compassionately and cohesively. The paralegal Estate and Trust Administration team includes Barbara P. Thompson, Pamela Erb, Eileen Sweigart, Jennifer Franckowiak, Michelle Kauffman and Jeanette Lamb. The Administrative Assistant team includes Taylor Schutt, Doreen Adams and Brittney Lefever. Together, they have built a supportive and caring workplace culture. KGS Legal provides high quality, experienced service and constant attention at a reasonable price.

Kreitz

1210 Broadcasting Rd. Suite 103, Wyomissing

610.670.7303 | kgs-legal.com

Nature’s Garden

Susanne and Cindy Boyer CHS, CNHS, ND, would like to thank the community for supporting them for 46 years! Let our educated staff take the guess work out of using efficacious natural medicine and plant medicinals. We strive to educate consumers to make better nutritional choices. Free booklets are available for your education. We specialize in plant medicinals that give your body what it needs to survive and fight today’s illnesses and diseases. On the fun side of the store, find comfort and support in each brand of footwear we are trained to properly fit, from anatomically correct Birkenstocks to fashionable UGGS. We also carry Patagonia apparel and Darn Tough socks. Every Monday from 6-7pm, join us on Nature’s Garden’s Facebook Live for credible information on natural medicine. Open daily.

4360 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading

610.779.3000 | ngarden.net

ROG Orthodontics

There’s a reason Berks County families choose ROG Orthodontics to transform their smiles. Dr. Natalie Parisi, Dr. Ashima Sharma and Dr. Denny Mauro have earned their longstanding reputation for creating FANTASTIC smiles in Berks County.

Dr. Parisi’s unparalleled knowledge and experience have distinguished her as a leader in orthodontics. Highly regarded by fellow orthodontists, Dr. Nat speaks internationally and passes on her expertise as an adjunct professor of orthodontics at Temple University. ROG is the top clear aligner practice in the state, the leading user of Damon® braces, and the only circle of excellence Incognito® provider in PA. Their expertise allows ROG patients to choose various aesthetic options for treatment. It’s cutting-edge treatment delivered by leading orthodontists.

ROG was thrilled to welcome Dr. Nat’s #1 choice of Temple’s graduating class, Dr. Ashima Sharma, in 2022. Dr. Sharma’s outstanding credentials, graduating top of her class and being the recipient of the William S. Kramer Award of Excellence, make her a fantastic addition to the exceptional legacy at ROG.

Committed to the community, the doctors of ROG continue to invest their time and support in local nonprofits that impact the future of children. IM Able Foundation, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Opportunity House, Pope John Paul II School for Special Learning, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and Power of the Purse are all close to their hearts.

Locations in Wyomissing, Douglassville and Pottstown

610.374.4097 | fantasticsmiles.com

Andrea Smith, DDS

Owner/Prosthodontist | Berks Prosthodontics

Dr. Andrea Smith is the founder of Berks Prosthodontics. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school plus a three-year Advanced Prosthodontics residency at an ADA-accredited graduate program focusing on technical excellence in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are THE acknowledged experts in dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-On-4.

A Berks County native, Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science. She then attended the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where she again graduated as Class Valedictorian with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Smith completed three years of specialty training in the field of Prosthodontics at UCLA’s Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, followed by an additional one-year residency at UCLA in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, making her one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide.

Dr. Smith returned to our area in 2009 to become the first female Clinical Director of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, the oldest clinic in the world devoted to the treatment of children born with facial birth defects, a position she held for seven years.

In 2015, Dr. Smith opened Berks Prosthodontics in Wyomissing, bringing her specialty training back to her hometown. At Berks Prosthodontics she sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. More than 100 area dentists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists trust her to handle their patients’ complex or cosmetic dental needs. From a single perfect tooth to state-of-the-art full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Smith strives to provide all of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.

955 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 104, Wyomissing

484.577.3530 | berkspros.com

Sherry Kutz

Director of Operations | Assured Assistance

Sherry Kutz assists in providing a personal, hands-on approach to ensure clients’ needs are met. Her success is attributed to her attention to detail and the way she treats customers with dignity and respect. “We’re so proud of our compassionate staff who go above and beyond for our clients. From sweet treats for birthdays, to cooking a good meal, to giving a long, hot shower after a hospital stay, our staff specializes in making everyone feel their best,” says Sherry. Assured Assistance is proud to be celebrating 20 years of providing quality non-medical home care to Berks County residents.

225 N. Kenhorst Blvd., Reading

610.796.4737 | assuredassistance.org

Laura Walizer

Co-owner and Operations Director Seth Walizer | State Farm Insurance Agency

Laura Walizer, her husband, Seth, and the team at The Walizer Agency, State Farm, have been serving the area with auto, home, life and health insurance for the last 18 years. The Walizer Agency experience offers lifelong protection with a team who knows your name, your family and understands why having multiple coverages and price options are important. The Walizer Agency continues to be the in the top one percent of agencies within State Farm year after year. The Walizers are active community volunteers serving at Opportunity House, local food pantries, the Animal Rescue League and they make monthly appearances as guest readers/speakers in our local school districts. “Like a good neighbor, the Walizer Agency is there for you!”

2 N. Meridian Blvd., Ste. 218 Wyomissing

610.926.2700 | sethwalizer.com

Beth Gallen Mastromarino

Managing Director | Financial Planning Advisors, Inc.

As a certified Financial Planner^™ with 40 years of experience in the industry, Beth works closely with investors to help them pursue their goals, including individuals, families, entrepreneurs, businesspeople and retirees.

Beth is also passionate about giving back to our community. She is on the United Way of Berks County Investment Committee and the Estate Planning Council of Berks County. She has also been a coach and mentor of young women for more than 30 years at Berks Catholic and has been recognized by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance for Entrepreneurial Excellence.

Whether you’re investing to build wealth, to protect your family or to preserve your assets, Beth is committed to offering the highest level of service and personalized investment advice.