My dad is a dentist back in my hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin. Growing up, I was always amazed when my dad would be called in for an emergency and be back an hour later after fixing whatever the patient needed. He was a tooth superhero and he was my dad; that is when I realized I wanted to have that same impact!
I attended college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at a small liberal arts college, Coe College. I am a proud chemistry and biochemistry collateral major…nerdy but what a fantastic education! My husband and I had such an incredible experience at Coe so much so that it shaped his choice in career. Matt wanted to be a college professor and teach students at a small liberal arts college as well. After Iowa, we moved to Chicago so I could attend dental school at the University of Illinois's College of Dentistry and my husband attended graduate school at Northwestern University. Berks County came calling after finishing school as there was a great liberal arts college here, Albright! After finishing dental school, I knew I wanted to further my education so I completed a one year general practice residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.
What I absolutely love about dentistry is all the education involved…for myself, for the team, and for our patients. One of the most rewarding aspects of learning is being able to share this knowledge as a team with our patients. The dental field is constantly changing which means that I get to be a student, always! Providing current and excellent dental care is so important to me, I typically complete over one hundred continuing education hours a year. In 2020, I was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction which only six percent of dentists achieve. This requires passing an exam and completing over 500 continuing education hours. In 2023, I was awarded a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry by completing over 400 hours of hands-on education as well as 700 didactic hours in 16 disciplines in dentistry. This distinction is bestowed upon just two percent of dentists!
As you can tell, the AGD is near and dear to my heart, I currently mentor dentists within in the Pennsylvania AGD and have been on the board of directors since 2020. I am the president elect of the PAGD and am so thankful that I can give back to an organization that has provided me with so much.
My husband, Matt, is an Associate Professor and the chair of the Chemistry Department at Albright College. We have three lovely daughters who keep us on our toes but make life so much more magical.