Meet the Team
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
JANE
Office Manager
As the office manager, I am responsible for the human-resource aspect of the clinic and managing day-to-day activities. I have more than 30 years of experience in the dental field and worked as a dental assistant prior to moving to the administrative side of things. It is my goal to help each patient achieve the best possible smile. I enjoy being a part of the enthusiastic staff here at West Central Smiles. We have a friendly and fun staff that can make you feel very welcome as soon as you enter our practice.
I am married to Paul and we have three sons: Brady, Jacob, and Andrew. Family is the most important thing in my life. In my time away from work, I love to watch my boys in their sporting events. I also love to golf when I find time.
Fun Fact: I am the 9th of thirteen children in my family (8 brothers and 4 sisters).
PAM
Treatment Coordinator
As a treatment coordinator, I assist Dr. Johnson and Dr Halstead in making treatment plans and, when patients are ready for braces, I go over their financials and treatment with braces. I really enjoy working hands-on with our patients! My favorite part of my job is meeting new people, getting to know them, and seeing their great smiles when they leave. I also enjoy working with our team. We have a great group of people who all have the same goal: to help each patient obtain a beautiful smile to enjoy forever.
My husband Ed and I have two great kids: a son who welcomed his first child and a daughter who wants a career working with kids. My new grandchild keeps me very busy and smiling all the time. In my free time, I love to go camping and help with community activities.
Fun Fact: I have worked in other orthodontic offices and West Central Smiles provides the best care and attention to the patients out of any of the places I have been. In fact my family and myself have been treated here.
MANDY
Treatment Coordinator
I help in a few different positions at WCS. In addition to presenting treatment plans and finances, I also assist Dr. Johnson and Dr Halstead in the clinic and handle administrative work in the front office. I have had the privilege of working in many areas of dentistry, from general to oral surgery, and now orthodontics. I enjoy helping people understand their orthodontic treatment and working with them to achieve the goals they desire. The best part of my job is seeing the changes happen in a patient’s smile and self-esteem. I have the pleasure of working with a great group of people. Everyone brings something special to our team. It is an enjoyable work environment.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Brad and our children. In my free time, I like working on home improvement projects, gardening, and decorating.
Fun Fact: I am a huge Timberwolves fan and think Crunch is the best NBA mascot.
ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANTS
Our orthodontic assistants help to place braces, change wires, take any necessary X-rays and photographs, and give instruction on the best ways to take care of your braces or appliance. They love meeting new patients and take the time to make sure your treatment is an easy, comfortable, and all-around positive experience from the moment you enter the door.
Staying on top of technology is of great importance to our assistants, and they can be found taking numerous continuing education courses throughout the year in order to make your treatment as effective and efficient as possible. Our assistants look forward to helping you or your child gain the self-esteem and confidence that comes with a beautiful, straight smile.
AMY
Orthodontic Assistant
There are so many things I love about my job, but the two biggest ones are meeting and getting to know our patients and, of course, watching the change in their smiles during orthodontic treatment. I love to make each patient comfortable and explain why and what we are doing that day. As a team, we all go the extra mile for our patients. We are all hard workers, take our jobs seriously, and strive to be our best.
When I’m not working, I keep very busy with my three young girls and little boy. My girls are involved in dance, sports, Girl Scouts, and several other activities. My son likes anything truck related. As a family, we like to camp, go to the cabin, and go on walks. I also like to golf, run, and play volleyball and softball.
Fun Fact: I can touch my tongue to my elbow. Just kidding, but I bet you tried.
NATALIE
Orthodontic Assistant
I had orthodontic treatment in the past and felt it was a very positive experience. It is what inspired me to become an orthodontic assistant. Now I am proud to be part of that experience for our patients. Seeing the change not only in our patients’ smiles but the confidence it instills in them helps remind me every day that I made a great decision.
When I am not working I spend time with my husband and three girls. I enjoy spending time outdoors (in the summer) and traveling when I can.
Fun Fact: I am originally from Iowa and a big Iowa sports fan (please don’t hold that against me).
BECCA
Orthodontic Assistant
I love getting to know our patients and being a part of helping them achieve their perfect smiles. It is very rewarding to see the transformation from start to finish and how happy patients are to have a new smile. Our office is great because everyone comes to work with a fun, energetic, and optimistic attitude, and we all put our patients first!
When I’m not in the office, I enjoy being outside and spending quality time with my husband Michael and our two daughters.
Fun Fact: I enjoy riding motorcycle every summer in the Black Hills with my husband.
CORI
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been a dental assistant for several years and recently made the switch to orthodontics. I was a patient with West Central Smiles before working here. I am finishing my treatment and can very much relate to what all my patients are going through. It has been a great experience and I strive to make the experience the same for all my patients that I see.
While not working I spend time with my dog. I have several hobbies that keep me very busy and traveling on the weekends.
Fun Fact: I would rather be racing!
BECKY
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been a Dental Assistant for a few years now, but I am fairly new to the Orthodontic world. My favorite part of working as an Orthodontic Assistant is getting to know our patients and seeing their wonderful results. Working at WCS I have been able to grow in my career in new and challenging ways and I have wonderful co-workers that I get to enjoy every day with!
In my free time I like to travel and experience new things. I spend time with my son and typically beat him in video games.
Fun Fact: I am from South Dakota and always wanted to live in the Corn Palace when I grew up 🙂
STEPHANIE
Orthodontic Assistant
I have always wanted to be a dental assistant, and just recently I managed to make it official. When I started I knew I wanted to work in orthodontics. I was a previous patient at WCS and all the employees were very kind to me and cared about my result. Since that time I have wanted to be part of that team. I want to make patients feel just as special as the staff made me feel; with the same amazing results. I love to learn new skills and I always strive for the best every time I work with a patient. I can’t wait to meet new patients and help them achieve their confident smile.
I was born and raised in Texas. I have two beautiful children that always keep me busy. With what free time I have I love to spend time with my family, travel and try new foods.
Fun Fact: I make the best tortillas for miles.
JESSIE
Orthodontic Assistant
I love getting to know all of our patients and getting to see their awesome transformations to their new amazing smiles! It is so fun to see how happy they are and to be able to be a part of that. I love our office, too! We have a great, hard-working team that works together very well and likes to have fun.
I live in the Clara City area with my husband Fory and our three children: Sawyer, Harrison, and Hadley. In my spare time, I love being with my friends and family playing games, being outside, and spending time at the lake.
Fun Fact: I took 1st in state 2 time in Jaycee’s wrestling!! I also love to have; AND am really good at dance offs!!!! “challenge me…I dare you ;)”
KATIE
Orthodontic Assistant
As an orthodontic assistant, I get to work hands-on and one on one with our patients. We work with all patients, no matter what the treatment entails; we start with patients by placing braces or starting with an appliance all the way through to the end when we remove braces or stop an appliance. My favorite part of working here is being able to see the change in each smile and patients’ excitement over the final result once the braces are removed. We have a great team at West Central Smiles. We all work well together, get along, and are willing to help each other when needed.
My husband and I have been married for several years and we have four children. In our free time, we love spending time in the Minnesota outdoors: hunting, fishing both winter and summer, kayaking, and tending to our vegetable garden. We also love spending time with friends and family.
Fun Fact: My dream is to grow the largest pumpkin in southern Minnesota.
KIM
Orthodontic Assistant
The best part of my job is working closely with patients and seeing the final result of their new smiles. I love seeing the excitement in patients as their teeth change and straighten. Our office is a happy, exciting environment where we’re able to be a part of our patient’s lives by giving them a beautiful smile. Our team is friendly, kind, and caring. We all have fun as a staff and bring out the best in each other with our different personalities!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two boys, and young daughter. We like to go kayaking, fishing, and relaxing on the lake. I also enjoy spending time with my family.
Fun Fact: I grew up on a dairy farm and had a wide variety of pets; sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, longhorns, peacocks, dogs, and a llama named Frankie.
RENE’
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been assisting in orthodontics for many years. I took a break to raise my children and elected to come back. I found the changes that took place in technology and techniques to be amazing during my time away. I discovered that treatment was not only shorter for the majority of patients but also more comfortable. I am very excited to be working again.
When I am not work I enjoy spending time with my family and getting outdoors as much as possible.
Fun Fact: I suppose if I wasn’t working in orthodontics I would be going for corn hole champion of southern Minnesota.
LINDA
Orthodontic Assistant
I have the great opportunity of meeting and assisting patients with their orthodontic needs. We build a positive relationship and create a winning smile. Our final result always brings happiness to patients and families! We have an amazing team here at WCS! Everyone gets along well and we work very efficiently and effectively together. Dr. Johnson works very hard to make sure every patient has a good experience and leaves our practice happy.
I grew up in Redwood Falls and I am married with three children and several grandchildren. We live on a farm, and in our spare time, we like to camp, boat, fish, hunt, and do water activities. We love spending time with our wonderful family.
Fun Fact: In my past I was a guitar picker and played a lot at church, but my real Big concerts were on our lawn in the summer months.
It was a neighborhood gathering with a few friends and their guitars.
We were a hit with our skits we wrote and performed.
VICKY
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been assisting for several years but have recently joined West Central Smiles. I have assisted in other areas of dentistry but I always come back to orthodontics. I very much enjoy seeing the transformation of the patient’s smile at any age from 5 years to 85 years old. It is always great to see how it changes their personality and outlook on life as well. Very rewarding.
When not working I enjoy time with my husband and son.
Fun Fact: I love musicals and still looking for my first big break.
BREANNA
Orthodontic Assistant
I truly enjoy visiting with patients and making them feel we care about them as individuals. It is rewarding to see positive outcomes and a great new smile. I’ve worked in orthodontics for a short time and enjoy challenging myself to keep up with the new technology. Our office has an amazing atmosphere, full of people who support each other like family.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends outside of work.
Fun Fact: I love to go Ice Fishing.
AMANDA
Orthodontic Assistant
I was a past patient at West Central Smiles and treatment was such a good experience it started me on my path to orthodontic assisting. I look forward to seeing my patient’s achieve the goals and results they desire and I try to make their experience as good as mine.
I just got married this Fall and look forward to many great years with my fantastic husband.
Fun Fact: I have amazing cooking skills if you count Mac and Cheese gourmet.
NICHELE
Orthodontic Assistant
I have just recently joined the team at WCS and enjoy learning new skills everyday. I love seeing our patients smiles change and them leave smiling from ear to ear. I enjoy working with all the staff members who work hard together to make patients feel comfortable and confident.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my soon to be husband Chase and our two dogs.
Fun Fact: I bet I can beat you in a game of PIG in basketball.
MIKAYLA
Orthodontic Assistant
West Central Smiles was my first clinic experience out of school and I couldn’t have found a better office! I enjoy watching patients’ smiles change and see them build their confidence and have a great experience during the process.
Outside the office I like to spend my time with my husband traveling and being outdoors. I also enjoy being around my family and friends.
Fun Fact: I have 7 of 50 states left to visit.
LAUREN
Orthodontic Assistant
I truly enjoy getting to know everyone we see, not just as a patient, but as an individual person. When they come in trying to hide their teeth because they are self-conscious and leave grinning from ear to ear, it is extremely rewarding to be a part of that.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my future husband, family, and friends. I grew up on our family farm and still love to help out when I can.
Fun Fact: I can drive a tractor.
MADISON
Orthodontic Assistant
I am fortunate to be doing what I have always wanted. I like coming to work everyday to see current patients and meet new ones. Orthodontics is transformative and it still amazes me what we can do for our patients. I look forward to meeting you.
When not working I am spending time with family and friends. I like everything outdoors and stay very active.
Fun Fact: If I wasn’t an assistant I would probably be racing cars.
KAYLA
Orthodontic Assistant
I like that everyday is different with challenges to face. Orthodontics is very rewarding to see the changes that take place. I feel our patients appreciate what we do to make their experience a good one.
When not working I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.
Fun Fact: Still waiting to be discovered for my country singing skills.
FRONT OFFICE TEAM
Our front office team is here to help with all your scheduling, financial, and insurance needs. Most often, our front desk staff members are the first smiling faces you’ll see when you come into the office. They’re always available to answer any questions you may have and want to make your time here as pleasant, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Our office team puts enormous emphasis on providing the very best customer service to ensure you not only get an effective and excellent outcome from your treatment but also enjoy your time in our office.
DEANNA
Insurance Coordinator
As our insurance coordinator, I love getting to know patients and their families and seeing that they get the most out of their insurance claims. There’s so much to love about this office, but most of all, I enjoy working with my friendly and supportive coworkers.
My family includes my husband Greg, our three children and their spouses, and our grandchildren. We enjoy camping with family and friends and traveling. I am also an officer of a service group that raises money for many children’s programs in the Willmar area.
Fun Fact: My Dad made a go-cart for my sisters and me when we moved to the farm. I have a secret desire to be a go-cart racer!
DEB
Reception
I’m here to help provide a friendly environment by greeting people as they come into West Central Smiles and scheduling their appointments. I enjoy the interaction with our patients and their families and the challenge of accommodating them and making the schedule work out to the best of our ability. I’m fortunate to be part of the WCS team. Our experienced, professional staff are here to provide knowledgeable, quality, and personal care to our patients in a friendly environment … with a terrific smile as the final result!
I grew up in Willmar and my husband Randy and I are longtime members of this community. We have two grown children and several grandchildren, who we enjoy spending much of our time with.
Fun Fact: I was a Willmar HS Football & Basketball Cheerleader…and yes, I can still do a cartwheel…well maybe when no one is watching!
ILENE
Reception
I look forward to meeting all our patients and helping new patients achieve their orthodontic goals. I can be found scheduling appointments and making sure our patients and parents are helped in a timely manner. The best part of working at WCS is seeing the smiling faces of happy patients and parents from their beautiful results.
Time away from work is spent keeping up with my children and all their various activities.
Fun Fact: I am still waiting for my own reality TV show.
ANGIE
Reception
I truly enjoy coming to work everyday. Having grown up in the area and having braces myself I can relate very well to everyone and I understand what people are going through and what to expect. I strive to help work with everyone’s schedules to make their orthodontic experience efficient and convenient.
I have three great children and a fantastic husband. In my spare time, I run myself and my kids to all their sporting and extracurricular activities.
Fun Fact: I love hockey and hockey mom is my second job.
ALEXA
Reception
I am happy to be a part of West Central Smiles. I enjoy welcoming patients into the office and seeing their end result. I am a very social person and find that to be one of my strongest qualities. I speak both Spanish and English which helps me connect with our patients. My goal is to make everyone’s experience a pleasant one.
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my husband and my son. I like being around family, traveling, and of course eating and experiencing new foods.
Fun Fact: I love music and can play the violin. I hope one day to have my own mariachi.
ANA
Reception
I am new to West Central Smiles and coming to work as been amazing. I am able to collaborate with a great team everyday and I truly look forward to meeting all of our patients and their families. I enjoy helping them schedule appointments so they can have a perfect smile.
When I am not at work you can find me spending time with my fiance’, our four children, and our two dachshunds.
Fun Fact: I secretly hope to retire at 35 and spend my time traveling with my two dogs but don’t tell my boss.
CARLIE
Reception
I am also new to West Central Smiles. This has been a great change for me and I find my new job to be very satisfying. I enjoy organizing and working with everyone as a team to make sure we do the best to make our patients have a good orthodontic experience from start to finish.
I have lived in Willmar my whole life. My husband and I have twins (boy and girl). In our free time you can find us supporting our children in their various activities and trying to catch up on some sleep.
Fun Fact: My husband and I are high school sweet hearts.
TINA
Financial Coordinator
As the office financial coordinator, I work with each family to ensure we provide our services with an affordable payment plan, and I act as a liaison between our patients and their insurance providers. It’s great to be a part of a team that is so caring and always puts the patient first.
I have lived in western Minnesota my whole life. I live with my husband Nick and two mischievous dogs. I have two grown children and like spending time baking when I am not at work.
Fun Fact: I love the 80s and I am still waiting for my shot to meet Bret Michaels.
