MARY
Registered Dental Assistant / Sterilization Technician
Mary joined our team in 2016 as a registered dental assistant specializing in sterilization. She brings a positive and upbeat energy to our office while providing vital support to our clinical team during patient care. Mary has quickly become an integral part of our team and is always open to learning new things. She loves a challenge and a good practical joke.
Outside the office, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, and is a die-hard Sounders fan. She frequently participates in community service events and values time spent with family and friends.
MEL
Registered Dental Assistant
Mellissa is a registered dental assistant who has been providing excellent care to our patients since 2003. Enthusiastic, friendly, and dedicated are a few words to describe Mellissa. She has a gift for making patients feel comfortable and at home in the dental chair. Whether it is their initial appointment, or a return visit, she always has their best interest at heart.
Mellissa and her husband are proud parents to two young boys. They enjoy spending time watching their boys explore life and grow up. On a nice day, they can be found visiting local parks and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
NICOLE
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Nicole began her dental career in 1998 and has been a valued member of the Puyallup Valley Dental Care team since 2004. In 2014, she advanced her dental expertise by completing training as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, allowing her to place restorations on teeth prepared by the dentist.
Nicole’s enthusiasm for dentistry shines through in her work-she takes pride in transforming decayed teeth and worn fillings into natural looking, beautiful restorations. Known for her gentle touch, organization, and excellent technical skills, she strives to ensure every patient feels comfortable and that each appointment runs smoothly and on time.
Outside the office, Nicole channels her creativity and care into her newest passion-lavender. She and her husband have transformed their three-acre property in the hear of Puyallup into a thriving lavender farm with over 1500 plants. You might even spot her at the local farmers markets sharing her handcrafted pure lavender products. Most of all, Nicole treasures her newest role-being a proud grandma.
SHAWN
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
In 2016, Shawn joined Puyallup Valley Dental Care as a Registered Dental Assistant and in 2019 returned to school to become a Restorative Dental Assistant, which she is very passionate about. She brings excellent dental knowledge to our practice and is very calming with her voice and touch when she cares for patients. Shawn enjoys giving people a comfortable and personable experience, and appreciates the “family feel” present at PVDC. We are extremely thankful to have Shawn as part of our team.
On weekends, Shawn takes full advantage of being outdoors with a love of camping and hiking. She is mom to two grown men, two cats and five chickens, ensuring there is never a dull moment!
KATHY
Office Manager
Kathy joined the Puyallup Valley Dental Care team in 2019 and I’ve been committed to creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for our patients ever since. My journey in dentistry began in 1997.
What made me interested in being part of the PVDC team is the love and care the doctors and staff share with each patient. The best part of my job is getting to know our patients, and having great co-workers as my work family. I enjoy the challenges that each day brings. I enjoy interacting with patients and getting to know their stories and making sure everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly.
I am proud to be a part of this amazing team and look forward to welcoming you to our practice.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dogs, traveling and working on craft projects.
ANITA
Treatment Coordinator
Anita has been working in dentistry for 30 years, 28 of which were with the same dentist in Tacoma before he retired. She joined our team in 2021 and has quickly become a familiar and friendly face in the office. In fact, you can often hear her laughter throughout the office. Anita loves assisting for oral surgery, and demonstrates a special patience and connection with children.
In her spare time, Anita enjoys traveling, camping, yard work, walking her dogs, and spending time with friends and family.
ABBY
Dental Assistant
Hi, I’m Abby! I was gladly accepted by PVDC in 2023 as a registered dental assistant. I found out quickly what a great office this is and what an amazing group of people I get the pleasure of working with. The level of care and connections that are made with our patients is incredible and excites me to go to work everyday. I have always wanted to help people and I am grateful I get to do that daily in assisting patients with their oral health. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, being around friends, and traveling.
KIRSTEN
Registered Dental Hygienist
PVDC welcomed me as a dental assistant back in 2015, and I knew quickly that I had found my dental family. Over the course of 8 years, I had the opportunity to assist in various capacities, even as I traveled around due to my husband’s military service. However, it was during this time that I realized my true passion lay in dental hygiene. The decision to transition into this role was driven by my desire to forge deeper connections with patients and have a more profound impact on their oral and overall health.
What I cherish most about being a dental hygienist is the bond I create with my patients, as well as the opportunity to positively influence their well-being. Outside of work, I am happily married to my high school sweetheart of 15 years, and together we share our home with two rescue dogs. As an auntie, family holds a special place in my heart, and I relish any chance to spend quality time with loved ones. In my free time, you’ll often find me cheering on the TBirds hockey team, going for runs, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family.
MICHELLE
Registered Dental Hygienist
Michelle has a passion for caring for her patients. Since 1997, she has been working in the dental field, ensuring the oral health and well-being of those she serves. Her genuine love for her patients is evident in her gentle demeanor and personalized care. In addition to her commitment to dentistry, Michelle, also a Real Estate Agent is dedicated to helping her clients find the home of their dreams. Outside of her professions, Michelle finds joy in her family life. A proud mother of three daughters, she cherishes every moment spent with her loved ones. She prioritizes creating lasting memories with her family.
JULIE K.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Julie has been a Hygienist since 2011, graduating with her Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene from Yakima Valley Community College. Julie joined the Puyallup Valley Dental Care team in 2025. She is passionate about teaching her patients about oral health education, helping patients feel confident about their smiles, and ensuring her patients feel at home and comfortable so that their dental visit is a positive and empowering experience. Outside the clinic, she can be found cheering on her two sons at their various sports games, spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends. She loves to travel, shop, read, craft, and go camping!
HANNAH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hannah became a valued member of our team in 2022, having relocated from Wenatchee and gaining experience across various offices temping in the Puyallup Valley. Drawn to the unique atmosphere and camaraderie of our office, she transitioned from a temporary role to a permanent position. Since 2019, Hannah has practiced as a dental hygienist, graduating from Columbia Basin College in the Tri Cities.
She enjoys the diversity among patients and colleagues in the dental community, not only finding fulfillment in educating and personalizing oral health care, but having the opportunity to learn herself. Beyond dentistry, Hannah loves traveling with her partner, hiking, attending concerts, spending cherished moments with her nieces and nephews, and enjoying the company of her beloved golden retriever in her leisure time.
Of the many offices she’s worked with, PVDC stands out for its commitment to comprehensive care while still having a lot of fun! Hannah is thrilled to contribute to PVDC’s exceptional team.
JULIE L.
Front Office
In the Spring of 2023, we welcomed Julie back to our team as our Front Office Coordinator. She has been busy helping hire and train new employees as well as overseeing front desk operations. Having been in dentistry for over 20 years, her experience is a definite asset to our office. Julie values patient relationships and always brings a fun and upbeat attitude to work. She has enjoyed reconnecting with existing patients while meeting some new faces. When not at the office, Julie enjoys spending time with family, friends and volunteering with a Texas based pet rescue. She is always on the lookout for treasures in antique/thrift stores and loves photography.
HANNA
Front Office
Hanna has been part of the dental world since 2014, beginning her career as a dental assistant before transitioning to the front office, where she now handles billing and administrative work. A lifelong Washington native, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Willow, and discovering new foodie spots with her husband. When she’s not in the office, she’s likely planning her next getaway to a sunny, tropical destination.
ANGEL
Front Office
Angel joined Puyallup Valley Dental Care in 2023 as our Patient Care Coordinator with over 22 years in the dental field. She will see you on your way out and will explain any upcoming treatment, answer any insurance questions you may have, and schedule appointments as needed.
Angel is married and has 2 sons. When not in the office, she loves spending time with her family and 5 dogs. She loves going on vacation to Montana.