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.

Alyssa Craker

_{Treatment Coordinator}

Alyssa is one of the first friendly faces that you’ll see upon entering Northstar Family Dental. In her current role, she supports our patients as a treatment coordinator. A position in which her hands-on dental assistant experience has proven to be invaluable.
Alyssa works closely with our dentists and our oral surgeon to outline the best options for our patients. She acts as the point of contact for our patients in providing treatment and payment plans and is a great resource for follow-up questions and guidance throughout the entire treatment process.

When asked what she enjoys about her job, she answers, “interacting with great patients and seeing them leave with a confident smile.”

Currently working on her degree in Psychology, when Alyssa is not at work or in school, she spends her time with her husband and their two little girls Paisley and Presley and enjoys exercising.

Kassie Winkle

_Concierge

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.

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!

Kazee Smith

_{Registered Hygienist}

Ms. Kazee Smith has been with our practice since 2015. She originally joined our team as a Dental Assistant and Sterilization specialist. Since then, Kazee has completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences to become a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Kazee holds a number of additional valuable licenses and certifications including; local anesthesia, she is certified to administer and monitor nitrous oxide and is CPR certified.

Kazee credits her childhood dentist and hygienist for her decision to enter and advance her career in dentistry. She recalls the fun and positive experience they made sure she had during her visits and she has become passionate about creating that same positive experience for her patients.

Kazee enjoys making a lasting impression on her patients by helping them feel comfortable at our office and working to help them achieve their oral health goals.

Kazee’s passions outside of the office include; weight lifting, hiking, spending time with family and friends and her two pups, Ruby and Buddy.

Kathy Shellenbarger

_{Registered Hygienist}

We gladly welcomed Kathy to our growing team of Registered Dental Hygienists in 2018. Kathy joins the ranks of our OSU Alumni. 

In addition to being a Registered Hygienist and  earning her degree from The Ohio State University, Kathy completed additional education enabling her to perform expanded dental patient care services (EFDA), making her highly valuable to our team and our patients. 

What she loves most about her job is forming long lasting relationships with her patients and the ability to educate them on something that really makes a difference in their lives – like their oral heath. 

Outside of work Kathy enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Kyle, and their two dogs, Gunner and Oscar.  Kathy likes staying active, particularly outdoors, by running and hiking. She also likes yoga, live music and traveling. 

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. 

Alexus T

_{Dental Assistant}

Ms. Alexus Torres is a member of our Certified Dental Assistant Team. Her dependable work ethic and passion for working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment serves her well in her role at Northstar Family Dental.

In addition to her Dental Assistant certification, Alexus also holds valuable Radiology and CPR certifications. Alexus asserts that she has always been interested in the aesthetics of teeth and has a passion for interacting with people – so this career made perfect sense for her.

She has a special interest in working with anxious patients to help calm their fears and make them as comfortable and confident as possible while in her care.

Outside of the office, Alexus is a sports enthusiast and enjoys basketball, softball and working out. She also enjoys wine tasting, trying new foods and camping. But above all, she loves spending time with her son. 

Megan Hall

_E.F.D.A.

Ms. Megan Hall joined the Northstar family in 2015. With her E.F.D.A from The Ohio State College of Dentistry and a Dental Assistant degree from Ohio Business College, Megan is a well rounded and versatile team member.

Megan’s special licenses and certifications not only include E.F.D.A. and CDA, but also Phlebotomy, coronal polishing and sealants, and Sedation Assistant.

Megan chose a career in Dentistry because she has always loved what something as simple as a smile could do for someone. Her favorite part of her role at Northstar Family Dental is the interaction with her patients, exceeding their expectations to create a great experience and giving people the confidence to feel good about themselves.

When she is not working hard to inspire new confidence in our patients around the office, Megan enjoys football, movies, bowling, concerts, weightlifting and spending time with her family and friends. And she loves spoiling her pets, Jax and Max.

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.

Leslie Casteel

_{Dental Assistant}

Ms. Leslie Casteel has been a part of our team of Dental Assistants since 2018. Her love and dedication to serving her patients make her a perfect fit for the Northstar Family Dental team.

Leslie studied at OSU Marion and Marion Technical College. She completed the First Impressions Dental Assisting Program, with an additional certification in Radiology.

Leslie ultimately chose a career in dentistry because of the positive influence that her own dentist had on her and her fascination with how someone’s teeth, smile and overall oral health can impact their confidence.

Leslie’s favorite part of her job is the interaction with her patients, which affords her the opportunity to learn about them and help them look and feel their best. She specifically enjoys taking impressions and perfecting temporary crowns.

Leslie loves nature and almost all outdoor activities, her favorites including; hiking, hunting and fishing. She also enjoys playing outdoor sports with her children.

Kirsten Fenton

_{Surgical Assistant}

Kirsten joined our team in 2018 as Dental and Surgical Assistant. Kirsten’s background and degree in Marketing helps her excel in communicating effectively with our patients and our team. 

It was after completing her BSBA in Marketing at Youngstown State University that she discovered her true calling in the dental field. Kirsten returned to school to complete First Impression’s Dental Assisting Program while also becoming CPR certified and earning her Radiographer license. 

What ultimately led Kirsten to her career in dentistry is her passion for making people feel happy. She loves patient interaction and the bond that is created when she helps them achieve confidence in their health and appearance. 

When she is not busy assisting our clinical and oral surgery teams, you can find Kirsten spending time with her husband and their three children, on a run, or dabbling in interior decorating. 

Kaitlynn Gutheil

_{Sterilization}

Ms. Kaitlynn Gutheil joined our team as a Dental and  Sterilization Assistant in 2018. Kaitlyn’s background in the heath care  field and the attention to detail that she learned during her two years as a business admin at the University of Akron prove to be very helpful in her current role on our team.

In addition to her Dental Assistant certification, she is also a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and CPR certified. A combination which makes her bedside manner and compassion for caring for our patients second to none.

Kaitlynn says, she was attracted to joining the Northstar Family Dental team because she was eager to put her passion into practice  along side a fun, hardworking group of females at a respected office.

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 Wilson

_{Sterilization}

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.

Tiffany Fleeman

_{Brand Strategist}

As the Northstar Family Dental Brand Strategist, Tiffany works to ensure that all facets of the brand are operating a way in which our patients are provided a best-in-class experience with every encounter. Tiffany partners with the leadership team to ideate how the practice can offer unparalleled comfort, quality, convenience and FUN to our patients which results in unique relationships that extend beyond the boundaries of healthcare.

Tiffany’s role is also heavily focused on community involvement and charitable initiatives. She acts as a liaison between the Northstar Family Dental leadership team and non-profit organizations, community leaders, local school administrators and fellow healthcare providers on fundraising and awareness campaigns.

Tiffany graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Business Marketing from The Ohio State University. After spending the first part of her career working for large agencies, Tiffany loves working for a local, female-owned small business which shares her core beliefs in giving back and providing honest, quality services to community members who are treated more like family than patients.

If you have questions about Northstar Family Dental’s participation in fundraising, non-profit and/or school activities, please reach out to Tiffany directly at tflee18@gmail.com.