Meet the Team

Behind every great orthodontic practice is a great team. We are very proud of our staff at Southwest Orthodontics. As you proceed through your orthodontic care, you will come to appreciate the professionalism and caring attitude the staff has to offer.

We believe that our best results are attained when our patients are engaged in the process. We encourage questions and appreciate seeing friends and family interested in our patients’ treatment. Our patients greatly appreciate this approach, and we are confident you will too. We believe orthodontics should be a pleasant experience: one you would recommend to your family and friends without hesitation.

Amy

Registered Dental Assistant, Lab Coordinator

I graduated from the Iowa Western Community College Dental Assisting Program in August 1985 and quickly joined SWO. In addition to offering chairside patient care I also make removable orthodontic appliances. I’ve helped create beautiful smiles for over 35 years!

My husband Terry and I have been married for more than 30 years and we live in Oakland. We have three grown children: Evan, his wife Kassie, and their son live in Oakland; Alex and his wife, Emerald, live in Bellevue, NE; and our daughter Grace lives in Shenandoah.

Katelyn

Orthodontic Assistant

I graduated from the Iowa Western Dental Assisting program in 2013 and was welcomed to the SWO team soon after. As an orthodontic assistant, I assist the doctor with different procedures and also provide direct patient care. I enjoy watching the orthodontic process and love seeing each patient’s confidence grow!

I am married, with two kids and dog. In my free time I like to hang out with friends and family and love to make memories with my children.

Latty

Financial Coordinator

I attended school at Omaha College of Health Careers and joined SWO in 2018. As a financial coordinator I help patients and families navigate through payment plans and insurance. I am happy to make the process stress-free and love seeing smile transformations!

Personally, I do things in increments of one: I have one son and one dog, a mini-Goldendoodle. I enjoy riding my bike, paddleboarding, walking my dog, and taking her on the occasional hike.

Mikaela

Registered & Certified Dental Assistant/Treatment Coordinator

I graduated from the dental assisting program at Iowa Western Community College in 2005. In 2008 I joined the SWO team. As one of our treatment coordinators, I work with many of our new patients to get them started on orthodontic treatment. I enjoy seeking our patients’ confidence blossom as their smiles improve!

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, our two kids, and our Golden Retrievers. We enjoy traveling when we can. Some of my favorite hobbies include walking our dogs, swimming, listening to music, and reading.

Saundra

Dental Assistant / Treatment Coordinator

I graduated from the dental assisting program at Iowa Western Community College in 1997 and have worked at SWO my entire career. I love working with our patients and am equally as grateful to have such a wonderful, close-knit team. We care about what is going on personally and professionally with each other, and we all love seeing beautiful smiles!

My husband Allen Hale and I have two boys, Peyton and Kaleb. The newest addition to our family is Sadie, our cat. My free time is spent traveling, going to concerts, and enjoying outdoor activities such as kayaking and camping. You can always find our family cheering on Iowa State, the Kansas City Royals, and the Chiefs!

Chessa

Receptionist

I joined Southwest Orthodontics in 2020, bringing my many years of experience in the customer service field to the practice. In addition to greeting patients at check in, I schedule appointments and assist with general patient and family questions. I enjoy interacting with our patients and parents and love seeing smiles transform!

I am married, with four children and a bonus child. Outside work I love to spend time with my friends and family, attend concerts, travel, and go camping.

Dawn

Receptionist

I completed the Dental Assistant Program at Iowa Western in 1993 and have worked at SWO since 2020. I answer the phones, schedule patients, and am responsible for charts. I like getting to know all the fun personalities of different kids and watching each grow with their smile!

I have three kids and love spending time on our farm, enjoying quality time with our animals, including cows and chickens. Off the farm, I enjoy going and watching my youngest kid’s involvement in their school activities and local 4H.

Diana

Registered Dental Assistant

I graduated from Omaha College of Health Careers and worked at Creighton University before joining SWO in 1991. I assist chairside and provide direct patient care with placing braces, arch wire changes, and removing braces. I enjoy working hands on with our patients and seeing their new smiles!

I have four daughters, two grandsons, a grandpup, and my own fur-baby, Walter. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, and being with my family.

Shannon

Registered Dental Assistant

I started my career in 1999, joined SWO in 2008, and have over 20 years of orthodontic experience. I perform many orthodontic procedures and assist the doctor with patients. I enjoy getting to interact with our patients and bringing joy to their day!

I am a mother of four. When I’m not working, I enjoy fishing and riding my motorcycle, and love time with family and friends.