Meet Your Team

Debra

Registered Dental Hygienist
Debra has brought a positive vibe to the practice since 2008. She received a Bachelor of Science from Siena Heights University and completed her dental hygiene training at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She is certified in local anesthesia, myofunctional therapy, and CPR. She continues her education each year with OSHA, MIOSHA, and DISC training.

Debra and her husband, Craig, have twin daughters, Hayden and Emma, and in her free time, she enjoys crocheting.

Theresa

Registered Dental Hygienist
Theresa joined Berrien Dental in 2006. She attended Lake Michigan College as well as Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she completed her associate degree in dental hygiene. Theresa is CPR and local anesthesia certified. She attends yearly continuing education on CPR, DISC, OSHA, MIOSHA, and pain management. Theresa and her husband, Todd, have raised two sons, Corey and Dylan. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing with her boxers (Rocky and Delilah), adventuring with her Jeep club, and vacationing anywhere (especially in Tennessee).

Kirsten

Registered Dental Hygienist
Kirsten studied dental assisting at Kirkwood Community College and dental hygiene at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She has been with our team since 2014, creating a happy and positive environment. Kirsten is certified in nitrous oxide and local anesthesia and keeps her continuing education current with classes in OSHA, MIOSHA, CPR, DISC and myofunctional therapy. Kirsten is married with two stepchildren, as well as two labs (one chocolate and one yellow). She enjoys reading, gardening, photography, and looking for fossils and beach glass.

Ginny

Heather

Registered Dental Assistant
Heather has been a dental assistant with our team since 2014. She attended Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, where she completed her dental assisting training. She is registered and certified and has completed training in expanded functions dental assisting, CPR, OSHA, MIOSHA, human trafficking, pain management, DISC, and myofunctional therapy. Heather and her husband have one son, one daughter, one granddaughter, and two grandsons. Away from the office, Heather enjoys her grandbabies, reading, traveling and being with her family. Heather is also a proud military mom!

Natalija

Registered Dental Assistant
Natalija has been keeping our office organized since 2006. She attended Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She’s certified in expanded functions dental assisting (EFDA) and continues her education in OSHA, MIOSHA, CPR, DISC, and neuromuscular dentistry (at the Las Vegas Institute). Natalija is married and has two boys. She enjoys helping at her boys’ school, reading, walking, and gardening. She also has a secret talent: archery!

Debby

Registered Dental Assistant
Debby joined our team in 2018 with 13 years’ experience. She graduated from Lake Michigan College and has completed training in expanded functions dental assisting. Continuing education for Debby includes CPR, human trafficking, pain management, OSHA, MIOSHA, Zoom whitening, and Core III Restorative at the Las Vegas Institute. Debby is married with two children, four grandchildren, and three dogs. When she’s not in the office, Debby enjoys spending time with family, vacationing, walking her dogs, and riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Kristin

Tracy

Judy

Clinical Treatment Coordinator
Judy joined the Berrien Dental team in 2002. She received her associate degree in business from Lake Michigan College. Judy’s favorite part of her job is helping to make our patients feel comfortable and a part of our family each time they come in. She enjoys taking continuing education classes and educating herself in communication, leadership, and other business-related topics. She is married with two boys. Her hobbies include horseback riding, traveling, cruising, boating, spending time at the lake, and riding snowmobiles.

Kim

Kari

Dental Hygienist
Kari joined Berrien Dental in 2025 after earning her degree in dental hygiene from Ferris State University. She enjoys building strong relationships with patients and helping them maintain healthy smiles through preventive care and education. Outside the office, Kari loves spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two children. Together, they enjoy camping, kayaking, relaxing at the beach, and traveling. Kari has a lifelong goal of visiting all 50 states. So far, she’s made it to 25!

Ruthie

Business Team
Ruthie joined Berrien Dental in 2024, bringing more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including the last five years in dental care. Originally from Mulberry, Florida, she studied at a business college and has a strong background in office management and patient coordination. Ruthie and her husband have a large, loving family that includes three adult daughters, four grandchildren, and twelve step-grandchildren who fill her life with joy. In her free time, she enjoys roller skating, crafting handmade cards, and serving as a Kid Zone leader at her church.

Desceñya

Dental Hygienist
Desceñya joined Berrien Dental in 2025 after earning her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She is certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide and has completed orofacial myofunctional therapy training. Desceñya enjoys forming lasting relationships with patients and helping them take an active role in their oral health. She splits her time between the Berrien Springs office on Mondays and Tuesdays and the St. Joe office on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends, weightlifting, golfing, playing tennis, practicing Pilates, and going on nature walks with her dog.

MEET YOUR DENTISTS

Our goal at Berrien Dental is simple: to provide our patients and community with the most positive dental experience through knowledgeable, compassionate care.

MEET THE DENTISTS