About Your Team
Maggie Espinoza, Practice Manager of Operations
Quote about Dentistry
Teeth are always in style!
My Mission
To lead my team to be able to give patients the best experiences and supporting my Doctors.
Educational and Professional Background
I graduated from Lakeville North in 2011 and attended the University of Utah for 2 years. Started off at Pilot Knob Dental as a Business assistant and became a practice manager in 2021
Life and Hobbies
In my free time, I love to spend time with my family. I have been with my fiancé for 13 years and we have 2 beautiful boys together. In the summer we love to spend time at the lake or in a pool. We love to take our 2 Goldendoodles out for daily walks and you will probably catch my fiancé and I at any rock show in town! When I do get some downtime, I really enjoy sewing and reading a good book!
Ion Stejar, Dental Hygienist
Quote about Dentistry
I believe that every smile tells a story, and I’m committed to helping our patients tell theirs with confidence and care.
My Mission
To deliver the highest standard of dental care, ensuring that every patient leaves with a smile. I aim to create a welcoming and comfortable environment where patients feel cared for and valued.
Educational and Professional Background
I graduated from Normandale Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene. I am dedicated to continuing education ensuring I stay up to date with the latest advancements in dental hygiene to provide the highest level of care possible.
Life and Hobbies
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife, Anastasia, and I love exploring the outdoors with our two children, Stella and Ian. I also like to play tennis, work out at the gym, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Tamika Jefferson, Dental Hygienist
Quote about Dentistry
“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and how you make others feel after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
My Mission
I am dedicated to providing exceptional, high-quality care to every patient. My goal is to raise awareness about oral health and educate others on the crucial link between oral hygiene and overall wellness.
Education and Professional Background
With 16 years of experience, I hold a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. I am licensed in Virginia, Idaho, Oregon, Missouri, and Minnesota, and I am an active member of the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA) and the Minnesota Dental Hygienist Association (MNDHA).
Life and Hobbies
I’ve been happily married for 11 years to Dr. Joseph Jefferson. Together, we have two wonderful children, Joseph Jr. and Jurnee, and a sweet Shih-Tzu named Ellington. I enjoy exploring new restaurants with my husband, staying active, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
I am also passionate about volunteering. I’ve worked with initiatives like Give Kids A Smile, served as a tooth fairy for the Minnesota School Sealant Program, and contributed to the Hope Dental Clinic. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Mexico and the Dominican Republic to distribute smile bags with oral hygiene essentials, and I’m excited to be part of a dental mission in Mexico this September.
Melissa V., Dental Hygienist
Quote about Dentistry
A smile is the universal welcome
My Mission
To provide outstanding dental hygiene care with a focus on prevention, education, and personalized service. I strive to empower each patient to achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Educational and Professional Background
A Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene
Life and Hobbies
I love to spend my time traveling, you can probably catch me lying out at a beach somewhere warm! I love to read and take the proud title of being undefeated at rock, paper, scissors. I love to take my dog, Penny, on long walks to the mailbox and I enjoy eating all you can eat Sushi!
Anna Zabelina, Dental Assistant
Quote about Dentistry
Got Teeth? It's a beautiful day to smile!
My Mission
My mission is to help people get over their fear of coming to the dentist. Helping others learn about their oral health and providing compassionate care.
Educational and Professional Background
Graduated from Hennepin Technical, dental assistant program in 2024.
Life and Hobbies
I enjoy going on walks, playing pickleball, and spending time with my family and friends. I love swimming in the ocean and being able to watch my shows and I love volunteering!
Emily Canedy, Dental Assistant
Quote about Dentistry
A smile is the prettiest thing you’ll ever wear.
My Mission
My mission is to build relationships of trust with my patients and exceed expectations by providing exceptional dental care. I am passionate about what I do and I want my patients to feel confident that they will receive the best care dentistry has to offer.
Educational and Professional Background
I graduated from Dakota County Technical College as a Licensed and Certified Dental Assistant
Life and Hobbies
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with family, friends, and my silver lab, Stella. I also coach the Northfield Varsity Cheer team. Some of my favorite hobbies include; truck pulling, camping, spending time at the lake, reading, and riding UTVs.
Kristina Szymusiak, Dental Assistant
Quote about Dentistry
It's a great day to save teeth!
My Mission
As a dental assistant, my mission is to brighten smiles and uplift spirits with every interaction with a heart full of empathy and hands skilled in care.
Educational and Professional Background
I have an associate in arts and an associate in science. I plan on furthering my education in dental assisting which is driven by a passion for enhancing my skills and expanding my knowledge.
Life and Hobbies
In my free time, I love staying active and engaged through a variety of hobbies. I enjoy going to the gym, going on walks, and exploring the waters while kayaking. Cooking is another passion of mine, where I find joy in experimenting with recipes and creating delicious meals. I enjoy going out on the boat with my boyfriend while fishing and I love going back home to Wisconsin to visit my family and spend time with my niece and nephew!
Mia Ruvalcaba, Dental Assistant
Quote about Dentistry
Nothing you wear is more important than your smile!
My Mission
Dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, in a professional office to excel and perform my skills and knowledge as a Dental Assistant.
Educational and Professional Background
Graduated Arizona Institute of Dental Assisting program in 2019. Knowledgeable in Pediatrics, Orthodontics, and General practices.
Life and Hobbies
I love chasing sunsets, being outdoors and doing any activities that include golfing, fishing and hunting! I also really love going on long car rides!
Katie Donnahue, Business Assistant
Quote about Dentistry
A Smile relieves a heart that Grieves.
My Mission
To provide patients with the best and most compassionate care. I aim to make sure that everyone who walks in leaves with a smile on their face.
Educational and Professional Background
Journalism Major at the U of M, 15+ years in healthcare, especially supporting a medical/dental provider.
Life and Hobbies
Mother of 2 grown sons, one of many siblings from a complex blended family, Luckiest mom in the world! I love animals, traveling, warm weather, the ocean, anything with architectural history, music, learning and food!
Allison Hunter, Business Assistant
Quote about Dentistry
Smiles are great investments; the more you collect, the better you feel
My Mission
My mission is to guarantee a pleasant and welcoming dental home for our patients.
Educational and Professional Background
I graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science. The highlight of my professional background was earning my Adaptive Exercise Specialist certification while working alongside individuals living with paralysis
Life and Hobbies
Outside of work, you can find me on the lake. I love water skiing and paddle boarding, playing board games with my family, and scrapbooking. A perfect day for me would be spent soaking up the sun with a good book and an iced coffee!