At an early age, some people know exactly what they want to be when they “grow up.” Some have their path all mapped out in high school.
I wasn’t one of those students.
When I was in college studying biomedical engineering and biomechanics, I decided to become an orthodontist. The combination of medical and engineering knowledge influenced my future career path.
I liked learning about how things are structured and how they function, especially when it comes to the human body.
The thought of improving the smiles of children, teens, and adults – for a lifetime – and giving them the tools to maintain their oral health really clicked.
I am the daughter of a General Electric employee, we moved state to state, similar to a “military brat.” Ohio, Wisconsin, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania to name a few. I fell in love with North Carolina in middle school, so when it came time for dental school, I became a Tar Heel.
I graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, then obtained a master’s degree in pediatric dentistry from the Ohio State University and Columbus Children’s Hospital. I finished with a certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics from the University of Missouri in Kansas City.
Because I want to be able to help a wide range of patients, from the youngest age possible, I’m a Board-certified pediatric dentist. I’m also a member of several dental organizations. There’s never been a time in my adult life when I wasn’t keen to learn and connect with other professionals. My favorite magazines are dental journals!
When I’m not straightening smiles at Braces by Bird, I like…
- Painting! This activity gets my creative juices flowing and is a great stress reliever. Watercolor and acrylic paints are my media of choice.
- Dogs. And the fluffier the better. I like the cute little ones (cocker spaniels, cockapoos… you name it!).
- Magic shows. I always try to figure out what’s happening behind the scenes and am always first to volunteer to be on stage!
My family and I live in Waxhaw, a small town in the Charlotte suburbs. We’re close to the beach and there are great public schools for our kids. I originally chose this area because my sister (a pediatrician) and twin nephews live here. It’s nice to see family regularly without having to go far! Oh … and how could I forget the warm climate and mild winters? Flip flops and T-shirt weather is my kinda thing!
