Professional Biography
I’ve always wanted to be a dentist.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College in 1980. Kalamazoo is a small liberal arts college in Michigan with a great reputation for diversity. The school demanded a well-rounded education and included studying abroad. I did best in science and logic courses, and was ‘the-most-improved’ when I returned from my studies in France. I received my doctorate degree from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry (now Mercy School of Dentistry). In dental school, I excelled in the hands-on classes and studied a lot in the classes requiring large amounts of book work. I did well and graduated in 1985.
My first professional position was with one of my instructors. I was quite honored when he asked me to work in his office and everything was perfect -- except the location, I wanted an urban location. To fulfill this goal I moved to Chicago and briefly worked in two offices before starting a practice of my own in 1987. Starting a practice can be challenging in many ways -- one of which is location. Some of my patients have been with me through associate space, shared office space and space that went condo. In 2000, I opened our current and FINAL office location at 25 E. Washington.
My practice serves 2,000 patients comprised primarily of professionals working in the Chicago Loop. Growth has been steady throughout years largely due to a high number of patient referrals. In fact, I was selected one of the “top-rated” dentists in Chicago by Chicago Consumers’ Checkbook (2004).
My vision in 1987 was an office of two dentists who shared the same philosophy of care and allowing a combination of work and home life through a shared workload. In 2004, Dr. Amy Van Fossen joined our team to help me reach this goal. She is perfect.
In total, my dental office team includes 2 full-time dentists, 2 full-time dental hygenists, 2 dental assistants and 3 members of the office management team.
On a more personal note…
As much as I love dentistry, I love my family even more. My husband Tripp and I met on a blind date set-up by a patient. We have been married since 1995 and have four beautiful children – no oldest, no youngest, no middle child. How is that? Two sets of twins – a boy/girl combination both times!
Art is another one of my passions. In my free time I am what you would call a ‘crafter’. I love to sew, work with photo albums, design, and create wall art. In fact, our offices are decorated with my own designs, as well as the designs of my mother Barb, who retired in 2006 after working for 14 years as a dental assistant in the practice.
Originally from Maryland, I earned my B.S. in Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I spent my 4 years of dental school at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland, which is the WORLD's first dental institution. Upon graduation I was honored to be elected by my faculty to membership into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the dental academic honor society. I had such a great time in dental school and was involved in everything from student government to my class’s softball team. Dentistry was always a logical career choice because it enabled me to put my ability to ‘tinker’ to good use.
In 2003, I was accepted into the 12 month post-doctoral residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I packed my bags and headed to the Midwest. During that year I met two people who would forever connect me to Chicago. The first was the man who’d become my husband, Kirk. He is a native Chicagoan and life-long Chicago sports fan. The second was Dr. Patricia Gilleran.
When I met Dr. Gilleran, I was struck by her professional integrity and the quality of her practice. I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of her office. Fortunately she agreed and I joined the team in July, 2004.
My patient care style includes creating a relaxing, comfortable and educational atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and strive to ensure each patient’s experience is positive.
Outside of the office I stay busy with my twins who were born in June, 2011. I also serve as an officer in the northside branch of the Chicago Dental Society.
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