As far back as I can remember I would visit the dentist very often with my parents. Coming from Europe and not knowing much about dental care, they needed a lot of dental work done on their teeth. At the age of 16, I began working as a circulating dental assistant at my parent's dentist. The hygienist in that office was from Hawaii and went to school there. She became my mentor, as did the doctor. They were so caring of their patients and made them feel at home. The doctor was instrumental in my decision to become a dental hygienist. When I was accepted to the LACC/UCLA program, he was so excited and could hardly wait for me to graduate and work with him. Unfortunately, he passed away just 2 months before I graduated and I never had the pleasure of working with him.

The Dental Hygiene program introduced me to many different facets of dentistry. I worked on a Hopi Indian Reservation in Keem Canyon, Arizona during the summer.

What a humbling experience to see most of the young men needing extractions and then being fitted with dentures. I also worked in Mobile Clinics on the weekends in underprivileged communities. It really made me feel helpful to work with these men and women who could not afford dental treatment.

After 34 years of practicing as a hygienist, I am still very enthusiastic and committed to my profession. My goal is to educate and do the best for my patients. I have been at Life Smile Dental for 12 years and work here 3 days a week. I also work in Valencia one day a week in an office of a colleague from UCLA.

My husband Gary of 34 years was actually my very first patient; it took me 3 hours to clean his teeth. And he still married me.

We have 2 wonderful daughters, Stephanie and Heather.

When my daughters were in elementary school, I would do a presentation in their classroom for dental health month. My daughter is a preschool teacher and I now do the presentations in her classroom.

As many of you know, Stephanie got married last year to a wonderful man named Jeremy. He truly became our son.

We also have 2 amazing dachshunds- Roxy and Baily. The other loves of our lives. I enjoy playing tennis, golf and going to the beach. My husband and I also enjoy going to new restaurants and truing different foods.

Hope to see you soon at your next dental cleaning appointment

Keep your hygienist happy-BRUSH and FLOSS everyday !!!!