Jamey Blankenship

_{Operations Manager}

Mrs. Jamey Blankenship joined the Northstar Family Dental Team in 2014. As our Office Manager, Jamey ensures that both the “front” and “back of the house” are running smoothly.

With an MBA in Healthcare Management, Jamey is a natural leader and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Under Jamey’s expert leadership, the Northstar Family Dental team provides the ultimate customer experience.

Jamey’s extra efforts and passion for her staff and her patients help to set the Northstar Family Dental office apart from other practices.

When asked about her decision to enter the healthcare management field, she simply says,  “It chose me.”

When she is not leading her team in the office, her favorite way to spend her time is enjoying adventures with her husband and spending quality time with their daughter, Violet, and their Boston Terrier, Murphy.

Courtney Knapp

_{Business Team Manager}

As the Northstar Family Dental Business Team Manager, Mrs. Courtney Knapp travels between our two office locations to help hire, coach and lead our front desk team and ultimately ensure that our administrative team operates like a well-oiled machine.

Working across both offices affords Courtney the opportunity to work with all Northstar Family Dental team members. Courtney’s role truly requires her to be a chameleon and includes helping with patient check in, check out and treatment plans. The chance to still interact with patients while leading our internal team, is something Courtney says is one of her favorite aspects of her role.

With a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Masters of Business Administration, Courtney’s position highlights her passion for teaching and working one on one with team members. Courtney has natural leadership qualities and the ability to support our team in serve our patients with five-star service.

When she is not bouncing back and forth between our offices, what Courtney enjoys most is spending time with her one-year-old daughter Ava and her husband. 

Kacey Pinkerton

_{Insurance Coordinator}

If you’ve called the Northstar Family Dental office or been in for a visit, you’ve probably had the good fortune of interacting with our front desk lead, Ms. Kacey Pinkerton.

With a warm smile and sincere welcome, Kacey puts our patients at ease from the moment they enter the front door. With a Bachelor’s degree in business, Kacey efficiently and effectively assists our patients with scheduling, insurance and payments needs.

Beyond that, Kacey is a valuable contributor to office “extracurricular activities,” such as patient appreciation initiatives, staff recognition and continuous training.

Kacey enjoys the challenge of the fast-paced and ever-expanding environment and is grateful to be in a position that allows her to learn something new every day.

Outside of the office, Kacey is an avid runner and devoted mother to her toddler, Briley.

Kassie Winkle

Treatment Coordinator

Ms. Kassie Winkle joined our practice in 2018. As a Northstar Family Dental Front Desk Concierge, Kassie ensures that every one of our patients is treated to the full “Northstar Family Dental Patient Experience,” from their first encounter during scheduling appointments over the phone, to welcoming them into our office, all the way through their checkout experience.

Kassie credits her desire to join our team to being inspired by our mission to create stellar smiles at a fun and innovating dental practice that is family oriented and supportive of professional women.

She is furthering her education and professional career by attending North Central State College and pursing a degree in Radiology.

Outside of the office, Kassie enjoys exercise, cooking and baking and she likes to flex her creative skills in painting and ceramics.

Savannah Defelice

_{Scheduling Coordinator}

Ms. Savannah Defelice is a valued member of our Scheduling Coordinator team. Savannah’s outgoing and kind personality make her a natural fit for her role in assisting our patients in scheduling their dental appointments within their busy schedules. 

A career in the dental field seemed to be predestined for Savannah, whose mother was a dental assistant for 18 years. She credits the passion that she saw her mother show for her work as the reason behind her early interest in dentistry. 

Savannah loves to help others, so it is no surprise that is one of her favorite parts of her job. Our patients call her with a goal and she is able to help them achieve it, which she finds to be very rewarding. 

Outside of work, Savannah is a sports enthusiast and loves cheering on the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes with her family. She also loves to vacation with her family – her favorite destination being Mexico.

Allison Billings

_{Treatment Coordinator}

Ms. Allison Billings is part of the Northstar Family Dental team of Treatment Coordinators. Allison’s role is especially important in the ecosystem of our team as she ensures that our patients are 100% clear and comfortable with their plans for treatment. She works in conjunction with the doctors and patients to facilitate a plan of action that is optimal for our patients.

Allison was inspired by her aunt, who is also a dental treatment coordinator, to pursue a career in this field. She was attracted to our practice in particular because of the core values that she shares with our team.

What she enjoys most about her role is the constant positive interaction with patients and being a part of their journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Working with patients is not Allison’s only talent. She is an awarded vocalist and musician. She loves giving piano and vocal lesson’s to children, spending time with her husband and their puppy, Bella.

Cassie Wise

_{Hygiene Manager}

Mrs. Cassie Wise is a Northstar Family Dental veteran, having started with the practice in its infancy.

A registered dental hygienist, with a BS in Dental Hygiene, Cassie became passionate about oral hygiene at an early age when her uncle, a dental technician in the Air Force, sparked her interest in teeth.

Cassie’s specialty is helping to calm and reassure nervous patients. To refine her abilities to do so, Cassie is a certified administrator of local anesthetic and nitrous oxide. She is dedicated and skillful in her work and as a result has established long-standing relationships with her loyal patients.

In addition to her hygienist responsibilities, Cassie is actively involved in our monthly charity initiatives and plays an important role on our leadership team.

Cassie’s interests outside of the office include running, being outdoors, spending time with her cats and her husband.

Cara Skaggs

_{Registered Hygienist}

Ms. Cara Skaggs joined the Northstar hygienist team in August of 2015. Cara holds an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from CSCC. Additionally, she is licensed to administer local anesthesia and certified to administer nitrous oxide.

Cara chose a career in oral hygiene because she realized that one of the first things that she noticed when meeting new people was their smile and the confidence that could be expressed during such a simple interaction. She wanted to help people become more confident in their daily lives by helping them obtain happy and healthy smiles.

What Cara enjoys most about her work is patient education. She says that seeing the reaction on her patient’s face when she shares her tips and tricks for at-home care is her favorite part of the appointment.

When she’s not educating in the office, Cara enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping and antiquing with her family. She spends her downtime at home relaxing with her husband and their pets.

Liza Green

_{Registered Hygienist}

Ms. Liza Green is a valued member of the Northstar Registered Dental Hygienist team. Having graduated from The Ohio State University, Liza spent five years practicing dentistry in Las Vegas before returning to her home state.

In addition to being an RDH, Liza is also a certified EFDA. When asked, Liza says that she chose a career in dentistry because she was interested in the one-on-one patient interaction and the opportunity to make a positive impact on her patients’ overall health. The confidence that is projected by healthy smiles is Liza’s favorite part of her job.

Outside of the office Liza enjoys traveling, working out, reading, spending time with her dog Oliver and is an avid OSU fan!

Jamie Wiggand

_{Registered Hygienist}

Mrs. Jamie Wiggand joined the growing Northstar Family team of dental hygienists in 2016.

Jamie earned both her Dental Assisting certificate and her Associate Degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Coastal Carolina Community College, in Jacksonville, NC. Jamie is currently a certified RDH and CDA.

Jamie says that she has always had a passion for teeth and when it came time to choose a career, she took a leap of faith. Attesting that her choice in dentistry is one of her best decisions yet. What Jamie enjoys most about her job is seeing her patients’ reaction when they are pleased with their results. She feels most rewarded when a patient feels confident in the health and appearance of their smile.

Outside of our office, Jamie enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures with her husband and dogs. She’s also passionate about her home design and decorating hobby. On top of all of that, she still manages to find time to coach her niece’s cheerleading team!

Kami Van Way

_{Clinical Team Manager}

Ms. Kami Van Way joined our growing team of Certified Dental Assistants in 2018 as our Clinical Team Manager. Kami’s talent and passion for dentistry are immediately obvious and just part of what makes her so valuable to our team and to our patients. 

Meg Beattie

_{Dental Assistant}

We welcomed Ms. Meg Beattie, an Ohio University Alum, onto our growing hygiene assistant team in early 2019.

Currently applying to Dental School to further her career in dentistry, Meg knew from an early age that this was the career for her. She says that she has always felt very comfortable at the dentist office and she had a strong desire to help others feel the same way.

Meg’s favorite part of her role on the Northstar Family Dental team is meeting new patients and the hands-on experience with an array of dental procedures.

When she’s not at work or working toward her continuing education, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her dog, traveling and almost any activity out in the sunshine!

Erin Carder

_E.F.D.A.

With over six years of industry experience, we welcomed Ms. Erin Carder to our team of E.F.D.A.s in 2018. Erin’s extensive experience, education and shining personality made her an immediate fit for our team.

As a child to parents in the military, Erin lived in Europe until the age of 13. She later earned her CDA at DATS and her E.F.D.A license at Miami Jacobs Career College. Additionally, she holds a specialty Radiology license.

Her inspiration to enter a career in dentistry was her strong desire to help people feel better about themselves and find happiness through health. Erin says her favorite part of her job is when she is part of the process in restoring someone’s smile resulting in pride and confidence.

When she’s not working, she can often be found hiking, spoiling her two Yorkies or exploring Europe with her husband.

Cayla Beam

_{Sterilization Assistant}

Mrs. Cayla Beam was a welcomed addition to our growing team of Dental Assistants in 2016. Cayla is a great asset to our team as she is both Radiology and CPR certified.

Cayla chose a career in dentistry because she wanted to be a part of a team whose focus and dedication was on making people healthy, happy and confident. What she enjoys most about her job is working with a supportive team and the unique opportunity to meet, get to know and form lasting relationships with her patients.

Outside of work, Cayla stays entertained with concerts, movies and exploring new restaurants. When she’s not on the move, she likes to relax with her family and spend time with her thirteen-year-old Lhasa Apso, Jinx.

Olivia Fink

_{Sterilization}

Ms. Olivia Fink is one of our talented and caring Sterilization Assistants. Olivia will join our team of Ohio State Alumni when she graduates in May, 2019 on the pre-dental track, with plans to start dental school thereafter. 

Olivia’s passion for dentistry is credited to a mixture of science and art and how the two skills can be combined to help people find good health and self confidence. 

Her favorite part of her job is seeing her patients walk out of the office with a smile and knowing that in some way she contributed toward that. 

When she is not busy studying or assisting our hygiene team in the office, Olivia’s favorite hobby is spending time with her 130 pound Bernese Mountain Dog, Leia. 

Taylor Harris

Treatment Coordinator

Ms. Taylor Wilson is a member of our Dental Assistant team. She joined our growing practice in 2018.

After graduating from Highland High School, Taylor went on to complete concentrated training and certification in the Dental Assistant Pro program.

Taylor chose to further her education in dentistry because she was looking for a career with longevity and purpose. Taylor has always enjoyed her visits to the dentist, so the career choice came naturally to her. Taylor‘s supportive character and strong teamwork skills make her an essential member of our Dental Assistant team. Taylor also holds specialty certifications and licenses in Radiology and CPR.

When she is not working hard in the office, Taylor enjoys taking her dogs on walks, spending time outdoors and quality time with friends and family.

Lauren Kaiser 

Treatment Coordinator

Lauren Kaiser is a valuable member of our Treatment Coordinator team. As a Treatment Coordinator, Lauren works efficiently and effectively as a liaison between our patients and our team of doctors to make sure everyone is on the same page about treatment options and plans, ensuring the best
dental experiences possible.
Before joining the Northstar team, Lauren worked as a Dental Assistant while taking classes at Columbus
State. Her grandfather was a dentist, so Lauren says she’s grown up with intrigue and fascination with the
field and especially enjoys helping people on the administrative side of dentistry.
Lauren is has a general passion for helping people in and outside of the workplace. She also enjoys
spending time with her family and her guilty pleasure is reality TV!

Kelsey Pennington

Front Desk Concierge

Kelsey is a graduate of Big Walnut High School.

Kelsey loves working at North Star Family Dental because of the people she works with and all of our wonderful patients.

When she is not working hard in the office, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her dogs, hiking, and exploring new places.

Nataya Kimble

Dental Hygienist

Nataya graduated from The Ohio State University. She holds specialty certifications and licenses in Local Anesthesia, Nitrous, and CPR.

Nataya chose a career in dentistry because she is passionate about oral health and loves helping patients feel comfortable and confident. 

When she is not working hard in the office, you can find Nataya spending time outside, traveling, and enjoying quality time with her friends and family. 

Kelsie Strother

Dental Hygienist

Kelsie has had a passion for teeth ever since she had braces as a child. 

Graduated from The Ohio Sate University in 2018 where she completed her undergrad and hygiene school.  Additionally, she holds a specialty E.F.D.A license.

Kelsie loves to help patients feel confident about their smile and to educate patients about their oral health.

Kelsie was a cheerleader at The Ohio Sate University.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling and she loves to spend time with her little toy poodle, Bear.

Christian Landin

Dental Hygienist

Christian has an Associates Degree from Rhodes State College. She holds specialty certifications and licenses in CPR.

Christian was inspired to become a Dental Hygienist by her childhood dental hygienist.  Her favorite part of her job is inspiring others to LOVE their smile.

When not at work, Christian enjoys being with her family and trying new adventures.

Ashley Johnson

Dental Assistant

Ashley graduated from Eastland Fairfield Career Center and holds specialty certifications and licenses in CODA.

Ashley chose a career in dentistry because she loves helping patients by improving their smiles and boosting their confidence. 

When not at work, you’ll find Ashley listening to music, baking and spending time with her dog. 

Alexis Ritter

Dental Assistant

Alexis graduated from Ohio State University Marion and holds specialty certifications and licenses in first impression dental assisting.

Alexis chose a career in dentistry to make a difference! When you help people smile you help them gain confidence. 

Alexis enjoys hiking, shopping and playing basketball in her spare time.

Amber Diles

Dental Assistant

Amber graduated from Pleasant High School in 2013 and First Impressional Dental Assistant School in 2014. She holds specialty certifications and licenses in Radiology and Monitoring Nitrous. 

Amber enjoys spending time with her two kids, her husband and her dog.  They love to explore new parks!

Kate Borden

Scheduling Coordinator

Kate loved going to the dentist when she was a child and she wants to make other people feel the same way. 

Kate graduated from First Impressional Dental Assistant School.  In her spare time, she loves to collect plants and go on hikes with her dogs.

Steph DuBois

Marketing Director | Brand Strategist

Steph graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a Visual Communications degree.  She has over 15 years experience assisting local businesses with their marketing and graphic design needs.

Steph is new to the dental world but fell in love with the positive, warm environment at North Star Family Dental.  She loves working for a local, female-owned small business which shares her core beliefs in giving back to the community and provides honest, quality services.

In her spare time, Steph enjoys going on scooter/bike rides with her kids, spending time with her husband and taking her two dogs on walks.  Steph also loves yoga, reading books and painting. 

Morgan Braxton

Sterilization | Hygiene Assistant 

Morgan graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of science in nursing degree.  She chose a career in dentistry to help people’s confidence and overall health. 

Morgan’s favorite part of her job is interacting with the patients and building relationships. 

When Morgan isn’t working, you can find her watching Netflix, exploring new trails or traveling to the beach.

Jes Strouse

E.F.D.A

Jes graduated from The Ohio State University College off Dentistry for E.F.D.A

She holds specialty certifications and licenses in Radiology, Expanded function dental auxiliary, Coronal Polishing and is a member of the Ohio EFDA association. 

Jes loves helping people get healthier by improving oral health and helping people achieve their aesthetic goals. 

When not working, Jes loves to travel, play golf, and go to concerts. She also loves to spend time with her fiance, her son and her cats.