Dental Hygienists:
Amber
Amber has been a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Elma Family Dental since 2014, inspired by her own childhood dental hygienist. She loves building strong relationships with her patients and making dental care fun. One of her favorite memories was when a patient moved away and sent the office a dinosaur tooth as a thank-you—proving that the bonds formed in the dental chair can last a lifetime.
Originally from Grays Harbor and having grown up in Southeast Alaska, Amber is passionate about the outdoors. When she’s not helping patients maintain their oral health, you can find her hiking, trail running, camping, or gardening. In her spare time, she even enjoys basket weaving!
If Amber had a magic wand, she’d use it to heal periodontal disease instantly, but until that happens, she advises patients to take the time to properly clean their teeth. She also wants to debunk the myth that gum disease only affects your mouth—it’s linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.
Amber is married with two kids, ages 15 and 12, and loves being part of a team that works hard while having fun. Her patients and her job bring her joy every day.
Amanda
Amanda has been helping patients maintain their beautiful smiles at Elma Family Dental for the past eight years. One of the first things Amanda notices about people is their teeth (and shoes!), so it felt like a natural fit to help others take care of their oral health. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see patients go from poor oral health to thriving, especially when they experience the difference in a more comfortable cleaning.
Originally from Farmington, New Mexico, and having grown up in Hoquiam, Amanda now calls Elma home. Outside of work, she enjoys beach vacations and spending time with her family. An adventurous spirit, she has even gone scuba diving with sharks and manta rays in warm waters. Her favorite treat? Snickers ice cream bars!
If Amanda could have a superpower, she’d want extra arms like an octopus—imagine how much more efficient dental cleanings would be! Her top dental tip? Use a water pick every night and remineralizing toothpaste to keep your smile in top shape. She also wants to clear up the misconception about fluoride: while too much of it can be toxic, just like oxygen, fluoride remains the gold standard for remineralizing teeth—especially in areas like ours, where natural fluoride levels are low.
Amanda loves being part of a supportive team where everyone helps each other out, making each day at work even better.
Lindsey
Lindsey has been a Hygienist at Elma Family Dental since 2020, but her journey in dentistry began back in 2008. She chose a fulfilling career focused on overall health and preventive care, and she loves building strong relationships with her patients. Lindsey feels lucky to work alongside some amazing mentors and colleagues, making every day a rewarding experience.
Originally from Olympia and now living in Elma since 2022, Lindsey is a “professional mom” outside of work, which she considers the best job. She enjoys camping, boating, heading to the dunes, and being outdoorsy with her family. When she’s not adventuring, you might find her enjoying a glass of wine on a patio. Fun fact: she loves golf and fishing, even though she admits she’s not great at either!
Her favorite snack? Bagels—she can’t get enough of them! If she could have a superpower, it would be the ability to serenade people into flossing every night. Her dental wisdom? Limit sugar, especially sugary drinks, and remember that just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean everything’s fine. Regular dental exams are key to preventing bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Dental Assistants:
Melissa
Melissa has been with Elma Family Dental for seven years and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Fascinated by how teeth can transform lives, Melissa loves staying on top of the latest procedural advancements in dentistry, making her work both exciting and fulfilling.
Originally from Streator, Illinois, Melissa now resides in Montesano, where she enjoys watching her kids play sports and working on DIY projects in her spare time. A fan of all things sweet, she’s got a soft spot for candy. If she had a superpower, it would be super vision—because who wouldn’t want to see every detail in their work?
Her dental wisdom? Brush and floss regularly, and don’t fall for the myth that fluoride is dangerous—it’s key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth. Melissa is proud to be part of a top-notch team at Elma Family Dental, where the expertise ranges from long-time assistants with 20+ years of experience to hygienists who could clean teeth in their sleep. With doctors who love what they do, the practice covers every aspect of dentistry—from implants to oral surgery.
Natasha
Natasha has been a valued member of the Elma Family Dental team since 2011, and her love for dentistry started as a child. She enjoyed going to the dentist so much that it inspired her to help others feel comfortable in the dental chair. Over the years, Natasha has helped ease many patients’ fears and encouraged them to make dental care a priority rather than something to avoid.
A lifelong resident of Elma, Natasha enjoys spending her free time with family, gardening, kayaking, and soaking up time on the water. While she can’t whistle, she more than makes up for it with her ability to build strong relationships with her patients. Her favorite snacks? Symphony bars, Nerds gummy clusters, and coffee keep her going! If Natasha had a superpower, it would be mind control—imagine answering phones and accepting offers without lifting a finger!
Her advice for a healthy smile? Don’t skip routine visits—it’s always better to catch potential issues early. Though oil pulling might seem trendy, Natasha believes in sticking to tried-and-true dental care methods. She genuinely loves helping people, whatever that looks like, and is proud to be part of a supportive, positive team that feels like family.
Andee
Andee has been helping patients at Elma Family Dental for the past four years, where she loves the variety of her role. She enjoys learning something new every day and appreciates the opportunity to help people while still having a schedule that allows plenty of family time. Originally from Montesano and now living in Elma, Andee spends her free time outdoors, enjoying activities like kayaking, hiking, and fishing with her boys.
In addition to her dental skills, Andee occasionally taps into her cosmetology background, sometimes even working in a mortuary—talk about versatility! Her favorite treats? Butterfinger and Reese’s, of course! If she had a superpower, she’d love to learn and retain information faster, especially when it comes to technology.
Her dental tip? Visit the dentist routinely and follow home care instructions—it’s the key to a healthy smile. And while oil pulling might be trendy for detoxing, Andee reminds you it won’t cure periodontal disease or necrotic teeth. She loves being part of a team where everyone genuinely enjoys their work.
Karina
Karina has been a Dental Assistant at Elma Family Dental for 2.5 years, where she enjoys the opportunity to help patients feel at ease and improve their oral health. Every day brings something new, whether it’s learning new techniques or working on a variety of procedures, which keeps her engaged and excited about her work.
Originally from El Salvador, Karina moved to the U.S. at age 8 and now loves exploring new places and spending time with friends in her free time. Her favorite snack? M&Ms and anything chocolate! If she could have a superpower, she’d wish for extra arms to help her get even more done throughout the day.
Karina’s dental tip? Even if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t mean everything is fine—regular checkups are key to catching problems early. She recommends Prevident toothpaste for extra care. Karina loves being part of a fun and supportive team, and she especially enjoys the camaraderie during and after work, as well as at their team-building events.
Andrea
Andrea has been part of the Elma Family Dental team since 2021, having previously worked in the Shelton office from 2018 to 2020. Starting her dental career as a sterile technician, she quickly realized she wanted to do more and transitioned into her role as a Dental Assistant. Andrea loves the variety of procedures she gets to assist with and the camaraderie she shares with her coworkers.
Originally from Shelton and now living in Olympia, Andrea enjoys hiking with her dog, Cooper, in her free time. She’s also a fan of dancing when she’s not on the trails! Her go-to snack? Chomps, for that extra energy boost. If she could have a superpower, she’d want two extra arms—after all, docs are known for asking for things just when your hands are full!
Andrea’s top dental tip? Brushing alone doesn’t prevent cavities—flossing and diet play a huge role, too. She appreciates how well the team at Elma Family Dental works together and how much fun they have, both in and out of the office.
Katie
Katie graduated from Olympia Dental Assistant School in early 2022, leaving behind a lengthy career in retail management to pursue her interest in dentistry. She is excited to be apart of the Elma Family Dental team, helping to provide exceptional dental care to the community who raised her.
When Katie is not at work, she is spending time with her family and staying busy with her energetic young daughter. Together they enjoy going on nature walks, baking, and doing arts and crafts.
Anna
Anna has been a dedicated Dental Assistant at Elma Family Dental for the past year. She is passionate about patient education and helping people take care of their smiles. Born and raised in Grays Harbor, Anna enjoys being part of a positive and supportive team that creates a great atmosphere for both patients and staff.
When she’s not assisting in the office, Anna loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking. A coffee enthusiast, she believes a good cup of coffee is essential to fuel her busy days. If she could have any superpower, it would be super speed to help her get even more done!
Her dental advice is simple but powerful: Brush and floss daily for a healthy smile. Anna loves being part of a team where everyone brings great energy and positivity to the practice.
Haley
Haley started her journey at Elma Family Dental as a sterilization assistant and soon discovered her passion for assisting. With almost 2 years on the team, she loves the medical field and finds it rewarding to help people through their dental care. One of her most memorable experiences was helping a young boy overcome his fear of anesthesia—talking him through his anxiety and seeing him succeed made Haley proud of both his bravery and her role in the process.
Originally from Soldotna, Alaska, and now living in Grays Harbor, Haley is always up for a new adventure. Whether it’s traveling, exploring nature, or working in her garden, she loves seeing what the world has to offer. As a rock hound, she also enjoys hunting for gems and minerals. Her favorite treat? Frozen yogurt or ice cream! If she had a superpower, she’d make anesthetic taste like any flavor you want.
Haley’s dental wisdom? Water picking is great, but don’t rely on toothpicks—floss is the real deal! The best part of her job is the friendships she’s built with her coworkers, creating bonds that go beyond the workplace.
Brittan
Brittan joined Elma Family Dental 6 months ago and hasn’t looked back since! After temping as a sterile tech for just one day, she realized she wanted to take on a more hands-on role, leading her to pursue dental assisting. Brittan is passionate about saving smiles and educating patients on the important connection between oral health and overall body health.
Originally from Olympia/Lacey and now living in Rochester, Brittan enjoys gardening, hiking, and catching a good comedy show in her spare time. She’s also obsessed with her fish tank, finding relaxation in tending to her aquatic friends. Her favorite snack? A good fruit blend always hits the spot!
If Brittan could have a superpower, she’d choose x-ray vision to avoid using those uncomfortable sensor holders during x-rays. Her top dental tip? Sugar is the enemy—watch out for hidden sugars in your diet. Brittan wants to bust the myth that you only need to visit the dentist when there’s a problem—prevention is key!
What makes work rewarding for Brittan is the quality dental services Elma Family Dental provides and the supportive, fun atmosphere created by the team.
