Meet Our Team

Happy Team, Happy Patients

When you visit Grand River Pediatric Dentistry, you'll immediately notice how much we care. Every team member takes this to heart, which shows in the excellent care and service we provide. Your first visit will be a genuinely different kind of experience.

Aliya

Pediatric Dental Hygienist

As a pediatric dental hygienist, I love making the dentist fun for kids. I enjoy getting to know the kids and seeing them throughout the years grow as a person and in their dentistry journey. My job as a pediatric hygienist is to educate families and kids about their oral health and to make it the best experience possible. I always love hearing kids say they want to come back because the dentist is so fun. 

Fun fact about me is not only am I a dental hygienist but I am also a dance teacher. It is so fun when I get to see and clean my dance students' teeth. Outside of work, I love hanging out with my husband and friends. I like traveling, concerts, and playing pickleball. I also have a mini bernedoodle named Nash, and he loves to play and go on walks when I get home from work. 

Courtney

Patient Care Coordinator

I am one of the Patient Care Coordinators here at Grand River. While working at the front desk, I check in our patients, answer phones as well as answer any questions you may have pertaining to your visit. My hope is that as the patients and families come in, they feel welcomed from the very start of their appointment. I know that patients may be nervous as they come in, and I hope I can be a smiling face for them.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband of 17 years and my 3 teenage boys. We enjoy watching them all play sports as well as watching Football and Basketball. I also enjoy spending time at our family cottage.

Katie

Registered Dental Assistant

I've been a pediatric dental assistant for seven years and recently earned my license in Michigan. I've always been told it must take a certain kind of person to do this job. I'm very proud to say I fit that mold perfectly!

I love nothing more than working with children every day. It's my job to make them feel comfortable and at ease in a sometimes unnerving situation.

I was born and raised a Buckeye; however, I've lived here in Michigan for eight years with my husband, Joel. We have two kiddos, Jack (2) and Olivia (10 months), and two dogs, Ollie and Masuka. I enjoy spending my free time going on adventures with my family, doing crafty projects, and watching too much TV (Friends is my favorite!)

Laura

Patient Care Coordinator/Treatment Specialist

I assist patients navigate treatment plans and help answer questions parents may have regarding their insurance. I also help with scheduling patient appointments and helping through the check out process. I love to see the children happy and comfortable when they leave their dental visits. Our office team all works together to make sure the kids and parents have a great experience during their visit.

I have lived in Jenison for 32 years, but originally from the west side of Grand Rapids. My husband and I have been married for 19 years. I have a daughter, stepson, and stepdaughter. All of our children have graduated from Jenison High School. I love the Jenison community and all it has to offer.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my 2 golden retrievers who keep me active. I love to read, travel, paint, garden, and spend time in our pool.

I can’t wait to meet your family at your next appointment.

Maddie

Registered Dental Assistant

I always loved going to the dentist as a kid. I had a great pediatric dentist who made going to the dentist fun. I want to show other kids that the dentist is a great place and help them to develop a love for dental hygiene. I love teaching kids and parents the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Kids bring joy into the office and make the job more fun. 

I was born and raised in Hudsonville. I have two brothers, two sisters, and three nephews. I enjoy trying out new restaurants, camping, and snowboarding in my free time. I also love horseback riding and grilled chicken!

Rachel

Billing Specialist

I take care of all of our patients financial accounts that pertains to billing and insurance. I enjoy helping our patients work through the financial aspects of their treatments and to work through the financial process. I also help with the day to day front office administration responsibilities.

I have lived in Michigan for 12 years and enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 adult children, friends and my grand babies. I love the beach and outdoors, and enjoy traveling when time allows. I also enjoy cozying up with a good murder mystery book with my pug Max.

Heather

Registered Dental Hygienist

As a Pediatric Dental Hygienist, I want to make sure your child loves coming to the dentist! My number one goal is to make little ones feel comfortable and understand everything that's happening. You might even hear me singing throughout the office as Disney songs are my favorite. I have been a dental hygienist for 17 years and love cleaning little ones' teeth. My favorite part of pediatric dentistry is having a child come to a dental appointment nervous and scared and leaving feeling happy and proud!

I love spending time with my family, doing yoga, and hiking in my free time. I also love animals, particularly my dog, Birdie. My favorite color is Lavender!

Naomi

Dental Hygienist

I enjoy working with children and helping them feel both comfortable and excited about coming to the dentist. I enjoy getting to know patients and their families. I believe educating families on how to help keep their child’s smile happy and healthy is important. I have worked as a Pediatric Dental Hygienist for 6 years. Working with kids is such a rewarding experience! 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, going to the zoo and practicing yoga. My Husband Jake and I have two children, Nora and Jaxon. My favorite colors are green and purple. My favorite food is Hawaiian pizza.

Kiaya

Sterilization Technician

Growing up I always loved going to the dentist. Making the dentist a fun place for kids is so important. I love being able to get to know the kids and teach them the importance of dental hygiene. It’s so fulfilling to help kids begin their journey to lifelong oral health. Seeing their bright smiles is why I look forward to coming to work every day.

I was born and raised in Grand Rapids. I lived and worked at Walt Disney World for 7 months. In my free time I love going to the beach, traveling, reading, and trying new restaurants. My favorite animals are dogs and sea turtles and my favorite

color is hot pink.