I am passionate about creating healthy, beautiful, and stable orthodontic results. It is so gratifying to meet so many wonderful people in this profession. I have the pleasure of working with such a great team of people who share my passion to interact with our patients and their families in a caring and meaningful way.
For some patients, orthodontics is a life-changing event that can have a huge impact on their self-image and confidence. For others, it has been something to endure because their parents told them they had to. But for every person, it is a journey and a memory and it is my goal to make it a positive one. I enjoy the interactions we have in the office and am grateful to have the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful people in our community through my profession.
My practice is a wonderful opportunity for me to be a part of the science and art that makes dentistry a challenge and a passion. I enjoy the constant learning that goes on in orthodontics from each of the courses I take, my colleagues with whom I confer, and my patients’ cases that offer their own unique circumstances. It is always exciting to take on a new case, and there is the great joy that comes with a case well finished in the end.
Education and Continuing Education
I have been practicing orthodontics for 19 years and have loved what I do every step of the way. I knew for a long time that I wanted to be in a field where I could help people and shape their lives, even if in some small way. After a thoughtful search of options, I decided that orthodontics was an excellent fit for so many of my personality traits and personal goals. I wanted to make an impact in a small and meaningful way while establishing relationships with the people I had the honor or caring for. I get to create smiles … for a living!
I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry in 1994, and graduated cum laude. In 1997, I received a certificate in orthodontics and a master’s degree in oral biology from the University of California, San Francisco.
My continuing education and constant interaction with other leading professionals in my field help me to advance my training and knowledge and to incorporate the new and exciting research and emerging technologies in the fields of dentistry and orthodontics into my practice. This ultimately benefits my patients with the best care available.
Professional Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Central Coast Dental Society
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
- California Association of Orthodontists
- Spear Study Club
Outside the Office
I grew up on a dairy farm in central California. We had a second home on the Central Coast since I was eight years old, and I’ve loved calling the Central Coast my full-time home for the past 13 years. I love the many outdoor activities it affords and feel at home with all of the agriculture in the area.
I am the mother of two young boys, and they are my constant source of joy. They also help me stay current on what’s going on in the world of my young patients! We enjoy our annual camping trips and other travels throughout the world. Closer to home, we regularly take in all the fun activities our amazing community has to offer: hiking, beach days, biking, performances, sports, and farmers markets—we love it all!
I am also an active supporter of numerous nonprofits in our community and have a strong sense of wanting to give back to the wonderful community that gives so much to us. From beach clean-ups to health education, I hope to leave a positive mark and be of service to our community.