Meet Our Team
Happy Team, Happy Patients
When you visit Grand River Pediatric Dentistry, you'll immediately notice how much we care. Every team member takes this to heart, which shows in the excellent care and service we provide. Your first visit will be a genuinely different kind of experience.
Heather
Practice Manager
I am the Practice Manager here at Grand River Pediatric Dentistry. For the past 22 years I have been in healthcare working clinical as well as leadership. I am excited to join the dental field alongside such an amazing staff, assisting our little friends with their dental needs. Seeing the kids happy at the end of their visits makes me happy as well as knowing the parents can be with their kids during their visits.
My husband and I recently moved back to West Michigan after being in North Carolina the last 12 years. We have 2 adult daughters and 1 granddaughter. I enjoy spending my free time traveling to warm and sunny destinations. I also enjoy cuddling up with a warm blanket and a good book on a snowy or rainy day, and spending quality time with friends and family. My favorite food is ice cream and my favorite animal is a monkey.
I look forward to getting to know all of you as you bring your children in. My goal as the Practice Manager is to continue the development and support of all parents in need of proper dental care for their little ones in our community, and to uphold the mission, vision and the values of our practice.
Abby
Patient Care Coordinator
When working the front desk I handle a lot of different tasks in a day. I greet patients and answer the phones, coordinate new patient appointments, and assist with insurance questions. My goal is for all patients and their families to feel confident in the care that we are providing. Kids often come in nervous and uncertain of what will happen, so I hope to be a friendly face when they arrive to bring some comfort and encouragement. We have such a great team and I am very confident that we always give our patients above and beyond care every time they visit us.
In my freetime my husband, Bryson, and I enjoy being outdoors or getting our foodie fix at one of our favorite restaurants. I also am a plant enthusiast, I have 30 some plants... and counting. I think the plant collection will have to be on hold for a bit to make room for a very important addition, our baby. We are extremely thrilled to be welcoming our first child this summer.
Catherine
Patient Care/Surgery Coordinator
I coordinate both in office and hospital dental surgeries for our patients. I walk parents through the entire process ensuring all questions and concerns are answered. I also help with front office administration tasks to ensure that our check in process runs smoothly. What I enjoy most is making sure the kids are happy and taken care of.
I have a BA in Business Management from the University of Illinois. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, & watching hockey. I enjoy running in races, barre and yoga, as well as exploring new restaurants. One of my favorite things to do is spend days at the beach on Lake Michigan.
Katie
Registered Dental Assistant
I've been a pediatric dental assistant for seven years and recently earned my license in Michigan. I've always been told it must take a certain kind of person to do this job. I'm very proud to say I fit that mold perfectly!
I love nothing more than working with children every day. It's my job to make them feel comfortable and at ease in a sometimes unnerving situation.
I was born and raised a Buckeye; however, I've lived here in Michigan for eight years with my husband, Joel. We have two kiddos, Jack (2) and Olivia (10 months), and two dogs, Ollie and Masuka. I enjoy spending my free time going on adventures with my family, doing crafty projects, and watching too much TV (Friends is my favorite!)
Laura
Patient Care Coordinator/Treatment Specialist
I assist patients navigate treatment plans and help answer questions parents may have regarding their insurance. I also help with scheduling patient appointments and helping through the check out process. I love to see the children happy and comfortable when they leave their dental visits. Our office team all works together to make sure the kids and parents have a great experience during their visit.
I have lived in Jenison for 32 years, but originally from the west side of Grand Rapids. My husband and I have been married for 19 years. I have a daughter, stepson, and stepdaughter. All of our children have graduated from Jenison High School. I love the Jenison community and all it has to offer.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my 2 golden retrievers who keep me active. I love to read, travel, paint, garden, and spend time in our pool.
I can’t wait to meet your family at your next appointment.
Maddie
Registered Dental Assistant
I always loved going to the dentist as a kid. I had a great pediatric dentist who made going to the dentist fun. I want to show other kids that the dentist is a great place and help them to develop a love for dental hygiene. I love teaching kids and parents the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Kids bring joy into the office and make the job more fun.
I was born and raised in Hudsonville. I have two brothers, two sisters, and three nephews. I enjoy trying out new restaurants, camping, and snowboarding in my free time. I also love horseback riding and grilled chicken!
Rachel
Billing Specialist
I take care of all of our patients financial accounts that pertains to billing and insurance. I enjoy helping our patients work through the financial aspects of their treatments and to work through the financial process. I also help with the day to day front office administration responsibilities.
I have lived in Michigan for 12 years and enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 adult children, friends and my grand babies. I love the beach and outdoors, and enjoy traveling when time allows. I also enjoy cozying up with a good murder mystery book with my pug Max.
Heather
Registered Dental Hygienist
As a Pediatric Dental Hygienist, I want to make sure your child loves coming to the dentist! My number one goal is to make little ones feel comfortable and understand everything that's happening. You might even hear me singing throughout the office as Disney songs are my favorite. I have been a dental hygienist for 17 years and love cleaning little ones' teeth. My favorite part of pediatric dentistry is having a child come to a dental appointment nervous and scared and leaving feeling happy and proud!
I love spending time with my family, doing yoga, and hiking in my free time. I also love animals, particularly my dog, Birdie. My favorite color is Lavender!
Naomi
Registered Dental Assistant
I enjoy working with children and helping them feel both comfortable and excited about coming to the dentist. I enjoy getting to know patients and their families. I believe educating families on how to help keep their child’s smile happy and healthy is important. I have worked as a Pediatric Dental Hygienist for 6 years. Working with kids is such a rewarding experience!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, going to the zoo and practicing yoga. My Husband Jake and I have two children, Nora and Jaxon. My favorite colors are green and purple. My favorite food is Hawaiian pizza.
Andrea
Registered Dental Assistant
I've always loved teeth, going to the dentist growing up, and children - which made it so easy to pick my career! I have been in the Dental field for about six years, and I want to be the best Assistant. Working with Children has been my ultimate goal as a Registered Dental Assistant, and I have worked in pediatrics for four years - kids make work much more exciting and fun! I am very passionate about what I do here, and I want to teach kids that going to the dentist can be so much fun, but being a little nervous and scared is okay and normal too!
When I am not Assisting at the office, I run around with my 1-year-old daughter-Alessi. She is so energetic and active. I also enjoy traveling and trying new wineries or breweries. My favorite color is Rose Gold, and my favorite animal is a Panda. I can't wait to meet you and your children next time you are in!
