My Story
In 1994, I found myself as a single mom, just 23 years old, with the simple goal of being a great mom and a waitress. Little did I know that my family dentist had a different plan for me. During a routine dental appointment, she recognized my potential and offered me an opportunity that would change my life forever.
I started by assisting her with a patient's procedure, not knowing what to expect. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I wanted to learn more, do more, and make a difference in patients' lives. My dentist saw this spark in me and offered me a part-time job, which eventually led me to excel in the front office. Handling patient payments, scheduling appointments, and communicating effectively became my strengths. Over time, I outgrew that role and continued to grow through various positions, honing my skills in practice management.
My journey in dentistry took me on a path of self-discovery. I briefly left the field, starting a successful European Body wrapping business, but soon realized that my true passion lay in dentistry. Returning with a renewed sense of purpose, I vowed to lead and inspire others while combatting burnout. I found a new office and a supportive team that shared my vision. Together, we implemented streamlined systems and achieved remarkable success.
"Little did I know that my family dentist had a different plan for me. During a routine dental appointment, she recognized my potential and offered me an opportunity that would change my life forever."
A life-altering realization emerged when we focused on transforming the hygiene department
Many years ago, I discovered how a thriving hygiene department, a "hygiene practice within a practice", conquers burnout through empowerment, leadership, and control. We had created an environment that was fun, supportive, and motivating. This positive energy spread throughout the entire practice, making work enjoyable for everyone involved. Life was good, but I faced a personal challenge - a life-changing divorce.
With two small children and no college degree, I knew I had to shape my future. I went back to college to become a dental hygienist. It was during this time that I truly started to believe in my own greatness. The experience was empowering and life-changing, fueling my passion for dentistry and overcoming the struggles of being a single mom.
Fast forward to 2012, and I was a practicing hygienist with a love for wearing many hats. My background in practice management allowed me to build a successful practice from the back office, using proven systems and skills. Others in the practice followed my example, leading to overwhelming success. Soon, other practices sought our advice and guidance, prompting my doctor to encourage me to write a book that could revolutionize hygiene departments across the country.
...But my story doesn't end there!
And so, Hygienepreneur: The Dental Hygienist Guide to Career Success & Personal Transformation was born. The book became an instant success, surpassing my wildest expectations. What I realized was that I had been destined for greatness all along, and being an entrepreneur was part of my journey. I was humbled by the impact I could make in the dental community.
But my story doesn't end there. After 20 years of dedicating myself to my job and raising my children, I met someone special. Jon came into my life, supporting my vision to enhance the dental industry through the power of hygiene. With his love and the support of my family, I found the courage to keep pushing forward and start my business.
The next phase of my career encompasses a wide range of endeavors. From in-office consulting programs and educational presentations to eLearning platforms and personalized practice support, I am dedicated to making a profound impact. But it doesn't stop there. The “Hygienepreneur” has taken things to the next level by acquiring 16 acres of land in the Tennessee countryside, where we are building a barn event center that will serve as a vibrant hub for networking, learning, and collaboration in the form of dental retreats and other industry events.
