My interest in dentistry began during my internship at a Craniofacial Genetics lab at the University of Iowa as an undergraduate student. I was so fascinated by the complexity of the lower face and mouth that I applied to and was accepted in to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry Class of 2000. As one of six children with a large extended family, and as the daughter of a teacher, I wanted to continue being around and working with children.
While in dental school I developed a passion for creating a positive dental experience for the children we saw in clinic. In 2002 I received my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from SUNY – Buffalo and the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, New York. I joined the private practice of Metropolitan Pediatric Dental Associates in July 2002 and became a partner in 2007.
In 2017, my husband and I chose an opportunity to work together and grow our love for little people, teeth and technology at Gallatin Valley Pediatric Dentistry. Justin and I purchased property and, with the help of a local architect, designed a state-of-the-art office for our patients, families and team. Dreams do come true!
An active volunteer, I participate in ‘Give Kids a Smile’ to advocate for dental health care for every child. As another part of that mission, I traveled to the African country of Uganda for six years as a part of the African Christian Fellowship to treat pediatric patients.
Fun fact! On my fourth mission trip in 2010 that I met Justin. In 2011 we became engaged at Bwindi in Uganda and in 2012 went back on a working honeymoon. We have two sons, Wyatt and Owen. We enjoy the challenge of getting our own children to brush and floss their teeth! Some of my favorite things to do are to go to the park with the boys, find new trails to hike and read a good book. I am also an avid Peloton rider and enjoy road biking with our family. I am looking forward to meeting you and your child(ren)!
My interest in dentistry began at an early age when I had the opportunity to work in my family dentist’s office. I witnessed how providing an exceptional level of care really does have a profound impact on how our patients view oral health. I brought this knowledge with me to Colorado State (Go Rams!) after which I attended the University of Colorado Dental School.
During this time, I had the privilege of embarking on a mission trip to Uganda, where I worked with children with the bright and beautiful smiles that had always inspired me. It was then that I realized my life’s passion would be in pediatric dentistry. I felt inspired to bring the highest quality dental care to the children and families in my community and to develop a vision to customize my care for each and every family.
Following dental school, I gained a great deal of experience in the treatment of complicated dental issues through a General Practice Residency at the Portland VA Medical Center and continued working toward my vision at a non-profit Community Clinic in the Twin Cities. I then applied my skills and experience to the University of Minnesota pediatric dental residency program.
Having had the opportunity to work with such an incredibly diverse group of patients has instilled in me the confidence to approach and understand each family’s unique needs and desires. To this end, I continue to engage in diverse learning opportunities through my membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Montana Dental Association, and the Montana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as through my position as a Board Certified Member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Our journey to Bozeman was driven by our desire to put family first. Giving our two young sons, Wyatt and Owen, the opportunity to grow up in the Gallatin Valley community is the reason we made Montana our home. We have had the fortune of experiencing life in several different parts of the country, and know what a special place we’ve found in Montana. We are having a blast exploring Montana on foot, bike, skis, boats and campers! Please tell us your favorite Montana adventure or place!
