Meet the Team

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Meet our team!

Kelley

I am the office manager at Smiles in the Valley. My job consists of front office duties, billing, insurance information and patient interaction - both on the phone and in person. If you have a question or concern, I will likely have an answer for you, try my hardest to find one or know where to point you in the right direction. I began working here In February 2008. Previously, I worked for all medical facilities, but have enjoyed the years spent here in the dental field. 

 

I would have to say my favorite part of working at the office is the interaction with our patients.  It always makes me feel so good when our patients are happy when they leave. They truly do become like a part of our lives. Just like the people we work with.  They become an extension of our families.

 

I am married to my husband, Steve - 29 years this year! We have four wonderful children and four grandsons.! My family is my most treasured and top priority! God has truly blessed me. We have a rescue dog named Vader and a new grand pup Easton. I love crafting.reading, watching sports and enjoy my church! My faith is very important to me. Our family is passionate about AkronHope.  Ask me about it sometime!

 

DENTAL HYGIENISTS

Jayne

I am a registered dental hygienist. My job entails cleaning patient’s teeth to remove calculus and plaque, apply sealants and fluoride to help prevent decay, take necessary x-rays, and educate patients about good oral health. I began working in this office in 1987 which began the start of my dental career as a dental assistant (1987-1992). From there, I graduated in 1992 from Lakeland Community College as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

My favorite part of my job is meeting and getting to know our patients and their families while making a positive difference in their oral health. I enjoy working at this office because it is close to home and the area I grew up in. I know a lot of the people and their families. I love our small town and our staff is great. We all work well together. We spend a lot of time together. It’s a second family.

 

Some fun facts about myself: I’m married to Bill and we have four wonderful children: Kyle, Rachel, Heather and Calli. We also have Coco, our German shepherd/Belgian Malinois dog. I’m an active member at St. Mary’s Church in Orwell. I love spending time with family. Summer and fall are my favorite seasons.

 

 

Jen

My job is dental hygienist. I take xrays, chart existing restorations and potential areas of decay, assess periodontal health and provide patient education. I do oral cancer screenings, scale and polish teeth, apply fluoride, place sealants, and perform root planing and scaling when that treatment is prescribed by the dentist. My duties also include disinfecting the rooms, setting up, and sterilizing instruments.

 

I began working in this office in 1994. I was hired on my 21st birthday as the full-time dental assistant. This was my first experience working in the dental field. Dr. Lawrence trained me to do chairside assisting for fillings and extractions and take xrays and impressions.

I attended Kent State University, Trumbull for pre-requisite courses on a very part-time basis from 1996-2003. I transferred to Lakeland Community College in 2004 and graduated with an Associates degree in dental hygiene in 2006. I was the first student from Lakeland to become certified to administer local anesthesia when the course became available in 2007. 

 

My favorite part of the job is the relationships I have with the patients. Dental offices can be scary and intimidating to a lot of people. I strive to make their dental appointments as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. I have laughed with, prayed with, and grieved with patients, and then sent them out to face the day with fresh, sparkly smiles and hopefully a happier spirit. In the same regard, patients have lifted my spirits after our interactions. 

 

I love my dental family. We are a team that works well together. In the back, the workload is made easier because we all pitch in with sterilization and other duties. We all seat patients for the dentist and hygienists, help disinfect and set up rooms, pull or file charts, and whatever else is necessary to allow for a smooth and efficient workday.

 

Steve and I will celebrate our 29th anniversary this year. We have 3 children, Amber, Becca , and Joe. We have 1 dog, Penelope, a German Shepherd mix, who showed up hungry and scared and decided to trust us enough to stay. We also have a grand-dog, Odin, and a grand-cat, Dexter. I love feeding people! I am very active in gardening, canning, and freeze drying. I also enjoy reading, preferably mysteries. My favorite way to enjoy my time is with my family, including my 3 honorary grandbabies.

 

 

ASSISTANTS

Kathleen 

I am a dental assistant. I assist the doctor in doing fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, extractions, etc. I also start the process in making partials and dentures and documenting patient care services.

 

I’ve been working here at the dental office since May 12, 2008 working as a dental assistant and receptionist. I graduated from Grand Valley and had two-year administrative secretary training from Ashtabula County Vocational school. I received my dental assisting radiographer certification from Lakeland Community College.

 

My favorite part of my job is getting to know new people and catching up with our regulars. I really enjoy the small hometown feel and being able to call my coworkers friends.

 

A few fun facts about me - outside the office - I am married to my husband Todd of 27 years. We have two beautiful daughters together, Brittany and Alexis. I have one handsome grandson, Leo. I have a golden retriever, Cooper and a miniature dachshund, Gretchen. I really enjoy gardening, puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. 

 

 

Abby

I work both as a dental assistant and work at the front desk. At the front, I check in patients, convert information into the computer, schedule future appointments and am oftentimes the friendly voice on the other side of the phone when you call. I also work alongside Dr. Easton during procedures - making sure she has what she needs to treat patients, occasionally taking impressions, and talking with patients about their dental concerns. 

 

I began working in the dental field as a whole at Smiles in the Valley at the beginning of 2024. I am a dental hygiene student at Lakeland Community College and also learning hands on as an assistant. My favorite part of my job is being able to help people feel better and be able to show off their smile. Working at Smiles in the Valley has been a great place to start out my dental journey. Everyone on the team has made it so easy to transition into the field. We all work well together and are able to make sure everything runs smoothly. 

 

A few fun facts about me - outside the office - I have a rescue dog named Oakley who I love spending any free time playing with. I like to spend time with my friends and family whenever I can. I like to go fishing, be outside, and other adventurous activities. I also like to volunteer during the Lake County Animal Shelter events to help the rescue pups.