What is the best part of your job?

OHI – Overall Health Information. Even when there is no sign of oral disease, I reinforce the benefits of maintaining the health of the mouth. My desire is for the patient to walk away knowing they can count on a dental hygienist for real-life prevention recommendations and not just the same ol’ “floss more” speech.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

I was born into a matriarchal culture – all the women in my tribe have had an influence in my life.

How do you measure your success?

This phase of life, my success is measured by how my heart feels when I lay my head down at night. As a mother of young children, my success is very much tied up into my family. I’ll be better equipped to answer this question in fifteen years.

What do you do to turn around a bad day?

Call my grandmother.

What ‘dew’ leaders do?

Leaders set the definition of success. They invest time, energy and resources to create the environment for that success and do anything to protect that environment.

What famous person living or dead would you like to have lunch with and what would you ask them?

I am fascinated by Katherine Johnson, the mathematician who helped put the first man on the moon. In her interviews she mentions how her father would tell her, “You are not better than anyone, but you are just as good.” I want to know how she stayed humble and confident.

What is first on your dental bucket list?

To grow my smile-inspired fashion brand to the point that it gives back to help real-life smiles in more ways than one.

What does balance look like?

Praying. Sleeping well. Eating to live 80/20. Moving your body everyday.

What movie always makes you laugh?

The Wedding Singer

What is the best gift you ever received?

My good friend lost her only child, a 7-year-old daughter, in a house fire. It was heart wrenching to witness that kind of trauma. I didn’t know then how she would heal from that experience. She traveled to Kenya for two months and brought me back a beautiful beaded bracelet and shared her experiences through the most beautiful pictures. I wear that bracelet as a reminder that there is always light after darkness.

How do you take your coffee?

A little cream, 1 sugar or no sugar, depending on the kind of coffee.

What is your motto?

There is so much more to smiling.