Meet Our First Teeth First Dental Team
Shelly
Registered Dental Hygienist
Shelly graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and has been practicing since 1997. Shelly is originally from Minnesota and is happily married with two children and one grandson. She enjoys being active with paddle boarding, water skiing, and hiking. She is passionate about helping others achieve optimal oral and total body health.
Dawn
Registered Dental Hygienist
My name is Dawn, and I am excited to be able to partner with you and your child in their dental care. I have been a Dental Hygienist for a long time, practicing in Minnesota, New York, and now here in Arizona. My family and I live in Gilbert. I enjoy traveling, taking care of my garden, and hiking.
Nancy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Nancy is originally from Massachusetts, where she attended Middlesex College for Dental Hygiene. Nancy practiced Dental Hygiene there for twenty-five years in general, periodontal and pediatric offices. She moved to AZ in the early 2000s, where she worked in private practice for fourteen years. She has been with FTF for seven years and finds the work to be very fulfilling.
Nancy has two sons and three grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, and traveling.
Amber
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hello, my name is Amber, and I’ve been a Dental Hygienist for more than sixteen years. I went to Hygiene School in Northern Louisiana and moved to Phoenix in 2007. Everyone told me that the heat would eventually get to me; but, strangely, I find myself loving Phoenix more every year that I live here. I’ve been with First Teeth First for almost six years, and I feel that the program serves as a powerful liaison between the community and the dental care it needs.
Tracy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Tracey has been a Dental Hygienist since 1987. She graduated from Phoenix College, earning her associate of applied science in dental hygiene and Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. Her favorite part of her profession is interacting with and getting to know her patients and helping them with their dental health.
Kellie
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kellie studied at Rio Salado College, receiving her A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene. She is certified in the delivery of local anesthesia/NO2 and laser applications. She has been in the dental field for almost a decade, delivering clinical hygiene care. Nearly seven of those years have been with First Teeth First.
Kellie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, and two doggies in her spare time. She loves the outdoors, especially when there is physical fitness involved.
Judy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Judy has been in dentistry for many years and has experience as a Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Educator, and Public Health employee. Her experience has been in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, special needs dentistry, and currently in Public Health with the First Teeth First program. Judy has her Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from Phoenix College. After a few years of full-time practice, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, preparing her for a teaching position at Phoenix College.
She is an avid traveler, having visited most continents. Hiking, skiing, reading, and family events are activities she enjoys in her leisure time.
Robin
Registered Dental Hygienist
As a Dental Hygienist who works in Public Health, I have overwhelming compassion when I connect with the clients that receive our services. It's a wonderful feeling to assist and listen to the success stories regarding their children's dental health. Many families are grateful for the resources and dental education that comes from interacting with FTF. As the FTF Program evolves, I have also watched the clients appreciate the help they receive concerning dental appointments for their children. My hope is that these families can take away the importance of dental health not only in that moment but throughout their whole lives.
Claudia
Bilingual Site Assistant
I am from Mexico City. I spent most of my childhood there, then moved to Guanajuato to complete my bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management. From there, I went to Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, to work. I met my husband there as he was working as a Course Director for a diving company. We lived in that city for 11 years and then relocated to Phoenix in 2011. Here I volunteered for Mission of Mercy as an interpreter, which inspired me to obtain my certification as a Spanish medical interpreter. After completing my certification, I started working for FTF and have been here for six years now.
Cecilia
Bilingual Site Assistant
Cecilia was born in Tucson and raised by an amazing single mother in Phoenix. She has been happily married for 24 years and has four children and seven beautiful grandchildren. She worked with Maricopa County for 30 years and after retirement, she found a new adventure with First Teeth First in 2019. She enjoys working with people and is passionate about helping others. In her spare time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family. She finds the most rewarding things in life are to make a difference in people’s lives and bring joy to everyone she meets.
Lola
Bilingual Site Assistant
I was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, and have lived in Arizona for 40 years. I have three daughters and four grandchildren whom I love spending time with. I graduated from Pima Medical Institute as a Dental Assistant and worked in private practice from 2005-2018. I also have been part of the Maricopa County Office of Oral Health for several years, first with the Sealant program and now with the First Teeth First program. I genuinely enjoy working for public health!
