Chrissy, Registered Dental Hygienist, Community Outreach
“I’m originally from Portage and I grew up on Gourdneck Lake. After high school, I attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science. I have been a registered dental hygienist since 1999. I truly love what I do because I have always loved science and people, and I enjoy helping in any way I can. As a dental hygienist, I am able to educate people on how to care for their teeth, gums, and overall health. I am married and have three children: Kalynn, Austin, and Benjamin. I love spending time with my family and going to the UP as much as possible. That’s also one of the reasons I love Michigan, for its lakes, trails, and events. Running is also a passion for me, and I have run the Detroit and Grand Rapids marathons. It is truly a blessing to be working with Dr. Dennis and our team. I have never met such a positive and caring group of people. I have known Dr. Dennis for years and actually used to babysit her three boys. I admire what an amazing person she is. She is a talented dentist that prefers quality to quantity. She treats everyone like they are her family. Please come visit us and experience how enjoyable it can be to go to the dentist!”
Dr. Dennis says: “Chrissy is such an amazing asset to our team. She is smart, fun, and knowledgeable. She is a special friend to so many people! We do many charitable events in our community, and she coordinates them for our office. People from all over our community volunteer to help out at these events, just because they know her. Her hygiene skills are gentle and thorough. Thank you Chrissy for all that you do!”
Jill, Registered Dental Hygienist
Though originally from the Portage area, Jill grew up in Texas Corners. A graduate of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, she has worked as a dental hygienist since 1995. Jill went into the dental field finding it a valuable way to help her community, while combining her passion for both science and psychology.
She loves helping patients, who find the dental chair a fearful place, feel comfortable there and obtain the healthy, beautiful smile they want. Her favorite part of working for Dr. Dennis is being part of a goal-oriented team with a willingness to strive to be better and do better every single day.
Jill is the proud mother of two daughters. She loves watching her youngest daughter compete in volleyball. In their free time, they enjoy the outdoors, especially boating and anything that involves, water, sun, and sand!
Amanda, Registered Dental Assistant
“I moved from Virginia to join Dr. Dennis’s team. I have been in the dental field since 2002. I became a dental assistant in 2005, and I continued my education to become a registered dental assistant in 2013.”
“The best part of working for Dr. Dennis is that her team is very hard working and caring. I love that Dr. Dennis is always seeking new ways to help her patients achieve the best possible dental health. I got married in June 2010, I have a daughter named Ariyah, a dog named Cody, and I love gardening. I am very excited about living in Michigan.”
Danielle, Certified Dental Assistant
“I’m originally from Martin Township in Allegan County, Michigan, and I chose dentistry because the first thing I usually notice about a person is their smile. I want to make sure that everyone can show their best. One of the best things about my job is getting to work with a different person nearly every hour of the day and the development of great relationships with so many people. My husband and I have been together since 2001 and we married in 2008. We have two beautiful daughters. Our second child was born in 2017. We also have a young boxer. I like the Kalamazoo area because there are a lot of things to do and a lot of great people to work with. When I’m not busy with other things, I love running marathons, reading, camping, and being at the beach.”
Deonna, Financial Manager, Dental Assistant
A graduate of Indiana University, Deonna said she chose the dental field because she wanted to help people, and she loves getting to see the incredible changes in people’s lives when they get the dental care they need. “Since 1999,” she said, “I’ve spent my dental career as an assistant and part of the front office team in the cosmetic field. My husband and I moved up here from Florida with our two amazing children to live closer to family. After I found Dr. Dennis, I felt right at home in her office and was amazed with her work. I am honored to work beside her with patients and witness all of the life-changing moments she creates!”
Originally from Vicksburg, Michigan, Deonna lived in Florida for 15 years before settling in Michigan. She says she and her family also have a dog and a crazy cat. In their leisure time, they enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially when it’s warm.
Druann, Certified Dental Technician
“I moved back to Michigan in 2012 when I became a grandma and wanted to be a part of my grandson’s life and watch him grow. I worked for Dr. Dennis about 20 years ago, before I moved to Florida, and was very excited to be offered a job when I returned. When I was in Florida, I worked in a dental lab as a certified laboratory technician for more than 12 years, and I have been doing so ever since. Now, I have this great opportunity to work in a dental office with my favorite dentist along with a group of awesome women. Now that I am with my grandson, my family, in my new home, with a great job, and Dr. Dennis as my dentist, life is good!”
Dr. Dennis says, “Druann is such a sweet and kind person. She was our nanny when we were raising our sons 20 years ago. When I found out she was back in our area and had become a certified laboratory technician, I was excited! She heads up our dental laboratory and does so with delicate hands and great finesse.”
Jim, Human Resources and Accounting
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and his master’s in education, and after spending the last 27 years as a teacher and administrator for the Portage Public Schools, he joins his wife, Dr. Dennis, in her practice. Together, they they have six grandchildren and a pet dog named Henrik. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his family and taking in all that Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College have to offer. He also loves a good game of golf. When asked what drew him to dentistry as a second career, he said, “I had no choice!” And when asked what about it he finds particularly satisfying, he said he loves the fact that it is a service business engaged in helping people. And he concluded by saying he really likes helping people be successful and making the workplace more enjoyable for everyone.
Tyler, Patient Coordinator and IT Specialist
Tyler grew up in the Battle Creek/Gull Lake area and has been working in dentistry since 2017. A high achiever, while simultaneously taking both high school and college courses, Tyler also worked part-time in dentistry. Graduating in 2019 from Gull Lake High School, he anticipates graduating from Western Michigan University in just a couple of years. “The passion behind dentistry is truly inspiring to see,” Tyler said. “I was originally interested in the complicated financial side. Then, as I delved more into dentistry, I enjoyed seeing the patients and watching their lives and confidence transform as their smiles became amazing.” When Tyler isn’t working or going to school he loves fishing and hunting, ORV riding, being with friends and family, and home remodeling.
Kali, Patient Coordinator
Kali, originally from Chelsea, MI, has worked in the dental field for 13 years. She now lives in Kalamazoo with her significant other and their cats. When Kali isn’t at work helping our patients, you may find her out playing disc golf.
Kimberly, Marketing Director
Kimberly was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and has a BBA in Marketing from Western Michigan University. She’s been in the field of marketing and communication for 13 years and loves the challenges and the fact that there is always something new to learn. “I’ve been a patient of Dr. Dennis’ for over 20 years,” Kimberly said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work for Dr. Dennis and her husband, Jim, grow their practice and continue to serve their patients well.” Kimberly has been married to her husband, Tom, since 1998. They have two boys, Jack and Josiah, entering adulthood. When she’s not working, Kimberly loves to paint with acrylics, feed people, and has challenged herself to read more classics. She also feels her superpower is overthinking things.
Liz, Human Resources, Office Manager
Liz has worked in human resources and office management for over twenty years. She’s worked specifically in dentistry since 2016. The moment Liz met Dr. Dennis, she felt right at home and knew this was the place for her. “Dr. Dennis has such an inviting personality. Her passion for patient care is amazing,” Liz said. “To be a part of this amazing team brings such inspiration to me and seeing the transformation of our patients is a feeling I cannot explain.”
Liz holds an Associates degree in Health administration services and a Bachelors degree in Healthcare Management and Health Informatics, both from Colorado Technical University. She loves Michigan because of the seasons and plans to stay here forever. “My retirement plan is to live on Lake Michigan in a small town and open a Coffee Shop.”
Liz has 4 daughters, 1 step-daughter, and 1 step-son. She’s been married to her husband Richard since 2016. They stay busy with their children in sports and are active members in their church. When she gets a spare moment, she loves to paint and redecorate her house.