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!
Tegan
Orthodontic Assistant
I graduated from DMAC in 2012 and joined the SWO team in 2014. I assist the doctor with various orthodontic procedures and provide patient care. I love interacting with people of all ages and working with such amazing staff!
I am married and have two boys. In my free time, I enjoy helping out on the farm with my husband and our sons. When we are not on the farm, we enjoy spending time with family and friends.
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.
Natalie
Receptionist
I joined Southwest Orthodontics in 2021 and enjoy getting to know our patients. As a receptionist, I am responsible for charts, as well as answering the phones and scheduling appointments. I enjoy meeting and greeting everyone when they first step into the office and love seeing the patient’s reaction when their braces are removed!
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family, especially my son, and watching him play sports. I also like traveling when I can find the time to do so.
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.
Sarah
Orthodontic Assistant/Treatment Coordinator
I joined SWO in 2020 and have received lots of on-the-job training. In addition to assisting with orthodontic procedures, I help new patients get started with their orthodontic treatment. I like learning about patients on a personal level and watching their teeth transform during their treatment!
I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family in my free time. I also enjoy reading by the pool in the summer, and finding a good show to binge watch when it’s chilly outside.
Autumn
Orthodontic Assistant
I started with SWO in 2021, after Dr. Wulf completed my orthodontic treatment. She trained me on the job, side-by-side with specialized orthodontic assistants. I help assist and perform orthodontic procedures. I also meet with and explain patients’ treatment and what the orthodontic experience entails. I love working with younger kids and seeing their confidence grow as their smiles transform!
I have a puppy named Bruno and enjoy spending my time outdoors with him, going on walks and adventures. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family on the weekends, traveling, and creating art.
Haley
Orthodontic Assistant
I started my career at Aspen Dental in 2017, being a trainee and learning on the job. In 2021 I joined SWO, where I assist the doctor with orthodontic procedures. I love seeing patients’ final results and looking back at where they started from!
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my two pets and my family. I also enjoy finding new TV shows to watch.
