I am grateful to be fulfilling my childhood dream of being an orthodontist. Through this work, I have the privilege to be a positive influence in a child's life, whether that means giving them confidence with a beautiful smile, helping them transition to a comfortable, confident patient, taking on cases that no one else wants to take because of difficulty of treatment or special needs, or just being there when they are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Every day, I am aware that what I say and do can have a profound effect in other people's lives.
What I love most about my work is spending time with my patients giving them a beautiful smile and providing a positive influence as they grow and develop as a person. I chose to have a smaller, more intimate practice where my staff and I can offer our patients great care and a comfortable, enjoyable experience. We take our time with patients who need a little more TLC and welcome all to our practice.
My Commitment to Education
I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Biology at Pennsylvania State University and earned my Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. My orthodontic training was done at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where I completed a Master of Science in Dentistry.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest advancements in the field of orthodontics, I maintain active memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, Western Pennsylvania Society of Orthodontists, Pennsylvania Association of Orthodontists, Cleveland Society of Orthodontists, and American Dental Association. I have served as the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Orthodontists, president of the Cleveland Society of Orthodontists, and as delegate of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Serving My Profession
A few years after graduating from my orthodontic residency, I started on my journey of leadership in my profession. Giving back to my community and profession has been an important part of my career as an orthodontist.
I drive to CWRU twice a month to mentor and educate the next generation of orthodontists. Orthodontic graduates are becoming more and more diverse and I am very active in the AAO, advocating for women orthodontists and increasing all types of diversity of leadership and engagement in this organization.
Outside the Office
My family and I moved to Beaver when I took over the practice of my husband's childhood orthodontist. Dan is a civil engineer and very involved with surveying, municipal engineering, and the Borough of Beaver. My oldest son, a “Wramblin’ Wreck” from Georgia Tech and also a civil engineer, is recently married and living in Denver. Our youngest son is currently finishing his last year of dental school at the University of Michigan and applying to orthodontic residency programs. Our cat makes our family complete.
My favorite ways to spend my free time are gardening, doing puzzles (Wentworth puzzles are my favorite!), and lately crocheting while watching a movie.
Giving back has been a theme in my life, volunteering on local sports boards, as a past decades-long Rotary Club member, and now participating on the Beaver Area Museum Board. I feel that it is important to participate in your communities and help the next generations as the previous people have done for me.
