The Amazing and Caring Team at Crossroads Dental Group
Alina L.
President and Chief Strategy Officer,
MA-PSY
Heather J.
Area Director, PhD
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I grew up in Erie, IL and attended Erie High School. I was involved in a variety of academic groups, sports and cheerleading. My love of sport and physical activity translated to my chosen area of study in college. In addition, immediately following high school I became a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and eventually a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for a variety of recreational, collegiate and Olympic athlete populations. Fitness and training continues to be a big part of my own life, and I still do some consulting work in the fitness/wellness field today!
I attended Illinois State University for my B.S. and M.S. degrees, earning my Masters in Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology. Following my Master’s degree I did a post-graduate fellowship in a biomechanics lab in Vail, CO and worked for an orthopedic surgeon in Breckenridge, CO. After moving back to the midwest, I attended the University of Iowa, earning a PhD in Health and Human Physiology (2010) with a research focus on physical activity and bone health. I have spent the last 25 years in education, program development and research; with the majority of my career spent as a professor of exercise science.
I learned about our former team from a friend who felt my background and skills would be a good fit for a new administrative role. After learning about the values, positive business model and the caring nature of the owners and team, I knew I wanted to be part of the organization, joining in 2025. Because of my educational background and passion for helping others achieve positive health and wellness outcomes, taking on a role in a clinical health field has been a natural transition. While I have a great deal to learn about dentistry specifically, it has been an interesting and fun challenge!
I live in Illinois with my husband, Brandon, and son, Colton (2017). We enjoy family movie nights, the outdoors, sports/hiking and an occasional Whitey’s ice cream run. We also love sharing a meal or sitting around a bonfire with friends and family.
Skye H.
Chief Accounts Manager, Registered Dental Assistant
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It’s hard to believe I have worked in dentistry since 2009! I’ve worn many hats, gaining experience as a Dental Assistant and a Business Assistant, and I’m currently the Chief Accounts Manager. In my position, I handle the technicalities of patient billing and the deeper insurance claim responsibilities that must be facilitated day-to-day in order to have a successful dental practice. I oversee all accounts receivable for the offices, and our Business Assistants send any tricky patient accounts or requests my way!
I’m from a smaller town in Southeast Iowa originally, but I moved to Davenport with my family in 2009. I have been with my husband, James, since 2003 and we have two amazing children together. My husband and I love to take short day trips together to try new food and enjoy new destinations. I always look for scenery that reminds me of something Bob Ross would paint! I’m a Dachshund enthusiast, but our whole family shares a general love for animals. We have just enough fur babies at home to make our hearts happy!
My hope for our patients is that we make coming to the dentist easy and earn their trust while building long-standing relationships. I love watching our patient families grow up and knowing that we’ve positively impacted their lives.
Deidra M.
Executive Operations Coordinator, BA in Communications
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I began my journey in dentistry in 2024, although I’ve been a dental patient for many years. I am eager to learn and get to know our patients! I have a background in communications, easily pick up on business functions, and enjoy interacting with others, so I feel positive about the job I’m doing every day.
I love the culture at Crossroads Dental Group. As a busy mom, I’m especially grateful to work with a team that values family and supports one another. As a newer employee, I appreciate how everyone takes care of each other. No one is left on their own; everyone pulls together and helps where needed. Our patients get the best of us every day!
My husband, Joe, and I have been married since 2003. We have four children who keep us busy with school, sports, church activities, and family adventures. Joe is a principal, and we also have a small lake house. We love spending summers at the lake together as a family! We have a mini Goldendoodle named Ruby who keeps life fun.
I hope our patients know that our team puts its heart and energy into providing the best care possible. I hope every patient feels valued, cared for, and heard, and that they feel confident recommending us to their friends and family.
Stephanie S.
Registered Dental Hygienist, AAS
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I graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Parkland College in 1995 and have worked in the dental field ever since. I have been a full-time hygienist with Crossroads Dental Group since February 2022 and truly love serving the Camanche community.
What I appreciate most about our team is the respect, support, and compassion we show one another every day. It is truly amazing to work alongside people who value each other and treat one another with kindness. Someone who feels appreciated will always do their best, and our patients benefit from that positive environment.
I have been married to my husband, Tad, since 1996 and have two children, Taylor and Kyle. We have two Australian Shepherds, Faith and Bailey, and our daughter’s horse, Ace. When I’m not at work, I enjoy exercising and spending time outdoors with my family. We love fishing, camping, kayaking, and riding side-by-sides together.
My hope for our patients is to build trusting relationships while helping them feel comfortable and confident in their care. I enjoy educating patients and sharing knowledge and strategies that help them maintain their dental health between visits.
Abbigail L.
Registered Dental Assistant, Expanded Functions Level I
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I’ve been a Registered Dental Assistant since 2020 and have spent two of those years with Crossroads Dental Group. I work primarily in our Camanche office and enjoy both our patients and my coworkers very much! I also occasionally work in our other offices as needed, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience throughout my time with the practice. We perform a wide variety of procedures, including dental implants and other advanced treatments, which has helped me continue to grow professionally over the years.
What I appreciate most about working at Crossroads Dental Group is the respect and support we show one another every day. We treat others the way we would want to be treated, which creates a positive work environment and allows us to provide the best possible care for our patients. We truly are like family here, whether you’re an employee or a patient.
In my personal life, I am a dog mom to my two Australian Shepherds, Baylor and Maybelle. I am also a small business owner and enjoy sewing. When I’m not at the office or sitting at the sewing machine, I enjoy plenty of ice cream dates with my boyfriend, Adam.
My hope for our patients is that each individual is treated with the utmost care and kindness. We understand that visiting the dentist is not always something people look forward to, and it is our job to create a comfortable environment where everyone feels welcome and cared for.
Julie B.
Registered Dental Assistant, Business Assistant
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I earned my dental assisting certification in 2018 after attending Dental Assisting Technology in Moline, Illinois. I started working as a Registered Dental Assistant in 2020, but eventually wanted a better work-life balance, which led me to Crossroads Dental Group in 2022. In 2022, I also began working as a Business Assistant while continuing to assist as an RDA when needed. My experience as a dental assistant has given me insight into all aspects of the office, allowing me to help patients from start to finish and understand their experience from multiple perspectives.
What I value most about Crossroads Dental Group is the way people are supported both professionally and personally. Working in an environment that recognizes the importance of family and life outside of work has had a tremendous impact on my quality of life. It has strengthened my relationships and allowed me to be more present for the moments that matter most. I believe that same care and consideration extends to our patients and the way we approach treatment every day.
My family includes my other half, Kyle, our two children, Payton and Paxton, and our dog, Pixie.
I hope our patients truly feel comfortable and at ease when visiting our office. Many people experience anxiety about dental care, and my goal is to help remove those barriers so every patient feels welcome, supported, and confident receiving the treatment they need.
Emily G.
Registered Dental Assistant
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I grew up in Walcott, IA until the fourth grade, then moved around the Quad Cities area for a bit, living in Moline, Silvis and most recently Rock Island!
I graduated from high school in 2022. During high school, I loved being involved in sports. I played volleyball all four years, and during my senior year I also played soccer.
After high school, I took online classes for Human Resources and started working at the Arsenal Daycare. After two years, I decided I was looking for something different. I wanted a career where I could make a direct impact on people’s lives. After exploring different options, I found a dental assisting program in the area. Once I started, I really enjoyed it and knew I had found the right path.
I fulfilled my internship at the Davenport location and was later hired on and transitioned to the Camanche office.
I have an older sister and a younger brother, and a dog named Stanley. I’m a very family-oriented person, so I really value the time I get to spend with them. Whether it’s just relaxing at home or doing things together, my family is very important to me and I enjoy being around them.
Taylor R.
Business Assistant
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I was born in Moline, IL then moved between Kentucky and Tennessee until second grade. From second to eighth grades, I lived in Colorado, then graduated from high school in Wisconsin in 2013. While in high school, I played tennis and soccer.
After high school, I attended Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI. Ultimately, I chose to work full-time at a pet spa for about five years. I moved back to the Quad Cities in 2018 and finished my associate degree at Black Hawk College in Moline. I became interested in dentistry through a cousin who loves being a dental assistant. I took the leap into dentistry in 2023!
My mom’s side of the family grew up in the area on the Illinois side, and my husband’s family is from the Camanche/Fulton areas. My husband and I got married in 2022 and had our daughter in 2023. We have two dogs, Gordon and Leonard, and a cat named Kitty.
My husband accepted a job offer in Clinton, so we moved back to the area from Cedar Rapids. I ended up at the former team in 2025 after I found a job opening and immediately felt like it was the perfect fit for me. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful team! My husband and I are so happy to be back closer to family and plan on being here for a very long time!
Brooke J
Business Assistant
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I grew up in Erie, IL and graduated from Erie High School in 2000. After high school I went to Black Hawk College for two years and also played volleyball. I then went to Scott Community College and became a registered sleep technologist. I spent twenty-three years in sleep medicine.
When I heard about our former team, I was ready for a change that fit my life schedule while still allowing me to care for patients. After hearing how they value family and the care they have for their patients, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team!
I have been married to my husband, Derrick, for twenty years and we have two daughters: Ashlyn (2008) and Ava (2010). We love to travel together and attend their volleyball and basketball games.
Ethan R.
Registered Dental Hygienist
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I grew up in Fulton, IL and graduated from Fulton High School in 2021. While in high school I participated in football, wrestling, and track. After graduation, I attended Carl Sandburg College and graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2025.
I got interested in dentistry because I had a great dentist growing up who was also my neighbor.
I learned about our former team through a coworker. I reached out and got called in for an interview. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and am grateful to have the opportunity to be on the team.
My dad is a retired electrician, my mom is a nurse, and my brother is pursuing a career in Cyber Security. We love to do everything together, whether that be watching football, going on jeep rides, or visiting places.
Megan D.
Registered Dental Hygienist
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I grew up in Fenton, IL and graduated from Erie High School in 2004. While in high school, I was a cheerleader all four years for football and basketball and was part of the competition cheer squad. I also enjoyed being in choir all four years.
After high school, I attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL and graduated in 2006. I knew as a little girl that I wanted to work in a dentist office. I enjoyed going to the dentist and was drawn to a person’s smile.
I was fortunate to join the former team when they bought the Erie office in December 2024.
I married my best friend and high school sweetheart in 2007. We have four children: Sydney, born in 2010; Derek, born in 2012; Josh, born in 2013; and Lyla, born in 2015.
Michelle R.
Business Assistant Float, BA in Psychology
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I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and in Dubuque, Iowa. I attended high school in Dubuque and stayed in town to attend college. I graduated from Loras College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, I moved to the Quad Cities area, where I’ve been living since.
My interest in dentistry began in childhood. I always looked forward to visiting the dentist and sometimes even reminded my mom it was time to schedule our next appointments. Joining our former team in March 2019 with no prior clinical background, I quickly discovered I have a strong interest and enthusiasm for all things dentistry. Each day at Crossroads brings a new opportunity to learn something new and make a positive difference in someone’s life.
My husband, Steve, and I have been married since 2018 and share two sons named Isaac, born in 2017, and Levi, born in 2023. We also have a Yellow Labrador Retriever named Tank.
Angela C.
Office Manager
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I have been in dentistry since 2013. I began my career as a dental assistant and have more than 10 years of dental assisting experience. My current role is Business Assistant Office Manager, where I enjoy helping, educating, and interacting with patients every day. I have been with Crossroads Dental Group for one year in our Camanche location and truly enjoy serving our community.
One of the things I appreciate most about Crossroads Dental Group is the flexibility and support our team provides. I am grateful to work in an environment where I can prioritize my family while continuing to grow professionally. Having that support allows me to bring my best self to work and provide the highest level of service to our patients.
I currently live in Savanna, Illinois, with my husband, Sean, and our three children, Garrett, Autumn, and Lucas. We also have two cats named Bandit and Smokey. In my free time, I enjoy attending my children’s sporting events and spending quality time with my family.
My hope for our patients is that they can see how passionate we are about what we do and that we take the time to build relationships based on trust. We want every patient to feel confident, comfortable, and assured that they are receiving exceptional dental care.
Tatum W.
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I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2013 and have over a decade of experience helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. I joined Crossroads Dental Group within the last year and hope to finish my career here. One of my favorite parts of being a hygienist is the connections I build with my patients. I enjoy learning about their lives, families, and experiences while helping them feel comfortable and cared for during every visit.
What I appreciate most about our team is the support we provide one another. Working in a positive environment where people genuinely care about each other creates a better experience for both our team and our patients. That encouragement and teamwork help make every day enjoyable.
I have been married to my husband, Joe, for over ten years, and we have two children, Rhett and Mallori. I was raised around horses and still enjoy spending time with animals. Our family includes three horses, two goats, and a miniature schnauzer. When I’m not working, I enjoy camping, outdoor activities, and cheering on my favorite sports teams.
I hope every patient leaves their appointment feeling valued, heard, and comfortable. My goal is to build trust with each person I meet and help them feel confident in the care they receive from our team.
Mellysa D.
Registered Dental Hygienist
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I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2012 and have spent my entire dental hygiene career serving patients in our community. Helping people improve their oral health and feel confident in their smiles is something I truly enjoy.
One of the things I value most about Crossroads Dental Group is the strong sense of teamwork and support among our staff. Everyone works together to create a positive environment, which helps us provide exceptional care for our patients each day.
I am a mother of two boys and have been married to my amazing husband for more than a decade. We spend much of our time enjoying life on our hobby farm, which currently includes goats, chickens, a dog, and a cat. Knowing us, there will probably be even more animals in the future!
My hope is that every patient leaves my room feeling better than when they arrived, whether that means being in a better mood, having a better understanding of their dental health, or simply feeling more confident about themselves. I truly love helping people in any way I can.
Jenny P.
Registered Dental Assistant, Expanded Functions Level I
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I have worked in the dental field since 2018 and have spent the last two years with Crossroads Dental Group. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience assisting with dental implants and general dentistry procedures, and I enjoy staying busy while helping patients achieve healthier smiles. My favorite part of the job is building personal connections with our patients. Everyone comes to us with different needs, concerns, and experiences, and I enjoy helping them feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit.
One of the things I value most is treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion. I believe that positive interactions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day, and I strive to bring that mindset into every patient interaction.
I’m a busy mom of three children and have been married to my husband for many years. Together, we enjoy spending time as a family with our three dogs, Zeke, Penny, and Nalah. Family time is incredibly important to us, and we love making memories together whenever we can.
My hope for our patients is that they leave our office with happy, healthy smiles and feel confident knowing they received exceptional care from a team that genuinely cares about their well-being.
Donna S.
Registered Dental Assistant
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I grew up in Rock Falls. I graduated from Rock Falls High School in 2002. I was on the dance team all four years.
I’ve always been fascinated with teeth and smiles and wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Having that kind of confidence is huge.
I used to work with Dr. Monica. She let me know our former team was hiring. I had heard what a great office it was to work for, so I decided to apply and the rest is history!
I’ve been married to my husband, Shae, since 2007. We have two boys (2003 and 2009), and our boxer, Lexi Lou. We love being outdoors, watching football, spending quality time with friends, and traveling.
