Dental Hygienists:
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 | EFDA/Asst. Office Manager
Melissa has been with Elma Family Dental for eight years and brings a wealth of knowledge with being in dental for over 21 years. Her passion brought her back to school to add EFDA to her credentials. 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 Illinois, Melissa now resides in Montesano, where she enjoys watching her kids play sports and working on DIY projects in her spare time. Splitting her duties as assistant office manager she spends half her day in the office and the other half in patient care.
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.
Kelly | Treatment Plan Coordinator
Kelly has been the Treatment Plan Coordinator at Elma Family Dental for 15 years, bringing her passion for helping people and her wealth of experience to the role. Her journey into dentistry began with a job shadow in 7th grade, which sparked her lifelong interest in supporting patients’ health. Kelly loves talking with patients and educating them on their dental treatment, helping them work together to achieve their oral health goals.
Originally from Forks and now living in Olympia, Kelly enjoys spending her free time hiking, riding her bike, and visiting the ocean. She’s also a motorcycle enthusiast, enjoying the thrill of the open road. Her favorite snack? Animal Cookies!
Kelly’s dental tip is simple but important: Brush, floss, and don’t forget about your tongue! She’s proud to be part of a team that works well together, always striving to provide the best care for their patients.
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.
Celia
Lia has just joined the Elma Family Dental Family. Lia is a dedicated dental assistant that is very passionate about creating a safe and caring environment for every one of her patients.
Lia decided to change professions because she was looking for a new challenge and she hasn’t looked back since. Lia takes pride in making sure our patients feel heard and comfortable during their visits. On her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, cooking, painting and going on walks.
A core value that guides her work is compassion and she truly believes that kindness is the universal language that can be spoken by everyone.
Victor
Victor has recently joined our dental team! He is a recent college graduate and thrilled to be starting his new journey in the dental field. Ever since Victor can remember, he has had a deep appreciation for a confident smile and now he gets to be part of a team that helps people protect and restore theirs every day. He is passionate about learning, and he welcomes every opportunity to grow, be challenged, and gain hands-on experience.
What drew him to dentistry is the perfect balance between care and genuine connection. Whether assisting during a procedure or simply helping someone feel more comfortable in the chair, he loves being part of a process that makes people feel healthier, more confident, and empowered to smile brighter.
Outside of work, Victor enjoys expressing myself creatively; you can also find him at concerts musicals, spending time with his cats, dancing, or grabbing boba with friends. Victor is thrilled to be part of a team that values both care and connection and he can’t wait to meet you!
Katie
Katie joined our office recently this year. She was born and raised in the Grays Harbor County area. From the time Katie started her high school journey, she knew that one day she would wanted to work in the dental field. Katie graduated from Olympia Dental Assistant School in 2025 and joined our family here at Elma Family Dental. This is the first office Katie has have ever worked at and she absolutely loves working as a dental assistant.
When she’s not polishing up a smile, she loves spending time with her children. She enjoys hiking, fishing and rock hunting. Katie loves adventuring around WA state and truly enjoys everything about the Pacific Northwest.
Katie’s favorite quote? “If you see someone without a smile, share yours.”
