Care Team - Camp Smile

Dr. Bobbi Augustyn

Dr. Bobbi likes to keep life simple. She cares for her family, which includes three children, works at Camp Smile, and water skis on Lake Minnetonka whenever possible.

“I’ve been slaloming since I was 5 years old; it’s one of my favorite things to do,” Dr. Bobbi says. “You have to keep yourself in good shape, and I want to do it forever.”

Dr. Bobbi isn’t kidding.

“I want to be able to water ski when I’m an old grandma!” she says. “Wouldn’t that be cool?”

Dr. Bobbi enjoys the physical challenge of the sport, which requires full body strength and plenty of balance. But she also appreciates the beauty of the sport, especially at dusk.

“The water looks like glass,” she says, “and it feels like you’re just walking on it. It’s pretty awesome.”

She also uses the word awesome to describe her family, both at home and at work.

Known for her colorful frames and frequent singing and dancing outbursts, Dr. Bobbi is a bundle of positive energy for her patients and teammates at Camp Smile.

“I love my job, if you can call it that, because I have the BEST patients and team that keep me smiling, singing, and laughing all day,” she says.

More about Dr. Bobbi

What are some of your hobbies? Hiking, singing, strength training, boating with the family. I love to read, if I can get away on vacation long enough to do that. I also love to play ball; I throw a mean spiral!

What superpower do you wish you had? A “magical smile” that when shared, would protect all kiddos in the office and keep them care-free, childlike, safe, and happy their entire life.

What is one of your actual superpowers? I make great kids — my husband tells me all the time!

What is your favorite snack? It’s a chocolate-dipped sugar cone with coffee ice cream from Licks Unlimited in Excelsior.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Orange creamsicle

Characteristic you admire in people? Honesty, integrity and kindness.

DR. BOBBI’S PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Bobbi L. Augustyn graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 2005, and completed her pediatric residency in 2007. She practiced in Hastings, Nebraska for three years prior to moving to Minnesota where she has been part of Camp Smile since 2010.
Dr. Augustyn is the owner of Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

DR. BOBBI’S PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Bobbi is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Minnesota Association of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Hastings College, Biology 2001, B.A.
University of Nebraska College of Dentistry 2005, D.D.S.
UNMC College of Dentistry 2007 Pediatric Certificate
Private Practice, Plymouth, Minnesota, 2010-present
Private Practice, Hastings, Nebraska, 2007-2010
Past President of the Nebraska Association of Pediatric Dentistry
Past President of the Minnesota Association of Pediatric Dentistry
Past volunteer faculty at UNMC College of Dentistry
Hospital affiliations and privileges at Children’s Hospital’s and Clinics
Fellow and Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Colin Maguire

Dr. Colin has learned so much from golf, a sport he’s played since he was four years old. He enjoys being outside, the uniqueness of each course and the different challenges and opportunities each hole presents.

“I love that you have to read a hole and pick an appropriate play,” Dr. Colin says. “That plays into my job: Reading the situation and being able to adapt based on a patient’s needs and concerns.”

As a dentist, Dr. Colin meets lots of new, young patients who are nervous.

“It’s great to provide an experience that is hopefully positive and life-changing to a patient population that you can really impact,” Dr. Colin says. “I want to help each kid through whatever they need and have them high five me at the end so they don’t have to be scared to go to the dentist.”

More about Dr. Colin

Do you have any children? I have two awesome boys named Ben and Will. They always keep life interesting for us!

What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy golfing, being out on the lake, wakeboarding, wake surfing, and I wished I fished more. In the winter, I downhill ski.

What superpower do you wish you had? Teleporting because you could just be wherever you wanted! I’d put myself on the first tee at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

What is one of your actual superpowers? Being able to make a cookie disappear!

Favorite fluoride flavor? Walterberry!

Characteristic you admire in people? Humor. The ability to smile and laugh, and keep the mood light is important to me. That’s what gets you through the good times and bad times.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

Dr. Colin Maguire graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2012. After graduation, he completed a 1-year general practice residency in Oklahoma City, OK at the OU Children’s Hospital. He then completed his pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota, where he served as Chief Resident.

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT:

Dr. Colin Maguire is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Minnesota Association of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Montana State, Cell Biology & Neuroscience, 2008, B.S.
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, 2012, DDS
OU Children’s Hospital General Practice Residency, 2013, Certificate
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Pediatric Residency, 2015
Hospital affiliations and privileges at Children’s Hospital’s and Clinics
Past President of The Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Fellow and Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Amelia Leuer

Dr. Amelia comes from a farming family, and horses were a fixture throughout her childhood. She first appeared in a horse show when she was three years old and started riding Patrick, her own shetland pony, when she was seven.

“We always had ponies around,” Dr. Amelia says. “My first memory of having any responsibility was cleaning his stall and feeding him.”

After school, she cleaned and groomed horses prior to spending at least forty-five minutes riding. On weekends, she participates in equestrian and horse showings, winning her share of local and regional titles.

“It takes a lot of compassion and empathy to care for a horse,” Dr. Amelia says. “Your horse cannot verbalize experiences of discomfort or distress to you. You have to really be in tune to that.”

Dr. Amelia says those characteristics serve her well as a pediatric dentist.

“When kids are really young,” she says, “they don’t possess the communication skills adults do.”

Dr. Amelia is grateful for the special relationships she developed with her horses, including Snooky 1 and Snooky 2. These horses appeared similar; however, they were different in many ways.

“Most people couldn’t tell them apart,” Dr. Amelia says. “I could. They are both so sweet and loving.”

Although she won most of her awards with Snooky 2, Dr. Amelia still learned a lot riding Snooky 1 on trail rides at Cross Hassan Park Reserve. Snooky 2 enjoyed being pampered, preferred being inside, and did not like to get dirty.

“[Snooky 2]’s kind of a diva!” Dr. Amelia says.

More about Dr. Amelia

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I love spending time with my family. I would probably want to spend the day with them and take our motor home camping where we could hike, bike, grill, play games, boat on a lake, and sit around a bonfire.

What superpower do you wish you had? I always thought it would be so fun to talk to animals!

What is one of your actual superpowers? I love to sing, and I know the words to many of the Disney princess songs.

What is your favorite snack? Oreo cookies

Why do you love your job? Being a pediatric dentist is the best job in the world! It is a remarkable privilege to care for the dental health of children and patients with special health care needs. Every day incorporates fun, challenge, and a unique set of skills to guide children through the dental experience. I feel so blessed to be entrusted with this role and form relationships with children and their families to help promote healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.

What is your favorite cartoon or animated movie? Beauty and the Beast

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

Dr. Amelia Leuer graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with a B.S. in Biology. She then went on to earn her D.D.S. from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In dental school, Dr. Leuer was awarded the Student Leadership and Service Award in recognition of her demonstrated leadership. It was during her residency at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin that Dr. Leuer received extensive training in treating patients with special heath care needs and experience in hospital dentistry, sedation, orthodontics, and dental trauma.

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT:

Dr. Leuer is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Minnesota Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.

CURRICULUM VITAE

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Biology, 2013, B.S.
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, 2017, D.D.S.
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Residency, 2019
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Dwight Anderson

Dr. Dwight grew up in Hankinson, North Dakota, a farming town with fewer than 1,000 people. As his friends started careers all over, they wanted to maintain their relationships and started a tradition. They would connect every year on a snowboarding trip.

“A couple of them had snowboarded a few times, but none of us had a lot of experience,” Dr. Dwight says. “It was a struggle right away.” Their first trip was to Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana, and subsequent trips were in Utah and throughout Colorado.

“These trips are so much fun, and exactly what we wanted it to be,” Dr. Dwight says. “Sometimes our significant others come, too.” This year, they’re scheduled to go to Jackson Hole in Wyoming. They hope someday to travel abroad, to Banff and to Whistler in Canada.

Dr. Dwight appreciates his childhood growing up on his father’s corn and soybean farm. Being the youngest, Dr. Dwight’s older brothers had the greatest responsibilities on the farm; besides, he was drawn to health and science.

“Farming was okay to me and could pay the bills,” Dr. Dwight says. “It was more of a job than a passion. I wanted to roll out of bed and love what I did.”

That’s what he experiences now, as an orthodontist. In fact, he can thank Dr. Amelia for getting him connected with Camp Smile. Dr. Amelia, a year ahead of him at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, asked him what his post-graduation plans were.

“I’m not exactly sure,” he told her. “She said, ‘Well, at Camp Smile, we’re thinking of adding an orthodontist. Would that interest you?’”

Dr. Dwight then met Camp Smile’s doctors and the team. “We all got along and we joked around on day-to-day things,” he says. “I really enjoy working with kids, and our doctors and team have the same thought process when it comes to caring for patients.”

More about Dr. Dwight

What superpower do you wish you had? Thor is my favorite superhero, so I’ve always wanted the strength to use his hammer!

What is one of your actual superpowers? The ability to find the silver lining in any situation.

What is your favorite snack? Anything peanut butter flavored!

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would find the closest body of water that provided weather in the mid-80s (and a light breeze), invite all my friends and family, and incorporate plenty of good music!

Why do you love your job? There are so many things I love about being an orthodontist that it’s hard to even know where to start! I love the problem-solving ability and mental gymnastics required to develop the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. I love the attention to detail required from my eyes and the accuracy demanded from my hands. I love having the opportunity to get to know a person (and usually family members) throughout their orthodontic journey. I love how rewarding it is that when all of this is combined, I have the opportunity to provide others with a more confident, happier, and healthier smile!

Favorite fluoride flavor? If Peanut Butter is not an option, then I will go with Bubble Gum.

What is your favorite cartoon or animated movie? Ice Age, Hercules or Mulan. Please don’t make me pick.

DR. DWIGHT’S PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Dwight Anderson earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree with high distinction from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry, in 2018. He then went on to receive his Master of Science in Orthodontics (MS) from the University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center in 2020.

DR. DWIGHT’S PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Anderson is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics.

CURRICULUM VITAE

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, 2018, D.D.S.
University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center, 2020, M.S.
American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Board Certified Orthodontist

Dr. Alison Seamans

Dr. Alison’s fondest childhood memories involve spending time with her family camping at state parks throughout Minnesota. She would explore, hike, swim, and enjoy plenty of S’mores fireside.

Dr. Alison shares her passion for the outdoors with her husband, Mike, so it makes sense that one of their first investments together was a truck camper. They use it most weekends during the summer and try to plan one long trip per year.

The two have visited numerous National Parks together and have aspirations to visit all the National Parks in the future. They were engaged in Glacier National Park, and even got married in Grand Teton National Park!

When asked why she became a pediatric dentist, Dr. Alison credits her mother who was a special education teacher at Minnetonka High School for about 30 years.

“I have been around children with special health care needs my entire life,” says Dr. Alison. “I realized early on that I had a desire to work with this special population. My goal is to treat each child individually to meet their unique needs. I have the privilege to help shape their dental experience into a great one!” Dr. Alison says. “I feel so lucky to be able to do the work I do and have fun doing it!”

More about Dr. Alison

What superpower do you wish you had? Teleportation. There’s so much to see in this world and not enough time!

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? With my family in our camper, exploring a new and exciting location or returning to an old favorite! One of our favorite spots is Gold Bluffs Beach in California.

What is your favorite snack? Charcuterie Boards

Favorite fluoride flavor? Strawberry

What is your favorite cartoon or animated movie? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

DR. ALISON’S PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Alison Seamans graduated with her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then went on to earn her D.D.S. from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Seamans received the Jerome B. Miller Award of Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Certificate of Recognition, to name a few. During her residency, and experience within private practice Dr. Seamans gained experience in treating patients with various medical complexities. She acquired additional skills to perform comprehensive dental care in both the traditional clinical setting as well as the hospital operating room setting.

DR. ALISON’S PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Seamans is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

CURRICULUM VITAE

University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2011, B.S.
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, 2016, D.D.S.
University of Minnesota, Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program, 2018
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Brittany Granoski

Many people are proud of where they’re from.

But Dr. Brittany’s passion for Canada runs deep — and wide.

“I loved growing up in Canada, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to live in so many different parts of the beautiful country,” Dr. Brittany says. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience many of the different landscapes and cultures Canada has to offer, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies, and both coasts. Every part of Canada is unique.”

Dr. Brittany grew up in Alberta, and she spent parts of several summers in British Columbia. She went to dental school in Saskatchewan, and then a residency in Nova Scotia.

So did she keep moving to different parts of the Canada on purpose?

“That’s a good question,” she says. “But it just ended up being by chance, and then I really loved getting to move and see different parts of Canada and having these different experiences.”

In her family, Dr. Brittany is the exception. Most of her family lives in St. Albert, a city northwest of Edmonton. Growing up, she grew to love skiing, snowboarding, skating, hiking and riding bikes.

Each move, though, inspired her to keep exploring and traveling.

“I had this realization, ‘Oh, I can go anywhere and do anything I want to!’ “

Like do an internship one summer in Sri Lanka, go travelling overseas, and move internationally to the USA.

But in her beloved Canada, Dr. Brittany appreciates something special.

“What Canadians from all parts have in common,” she says, “is that they are kind, generous, welcoming and supportive.”

That has served her well throughout her career, helping her connect with patients and their families.

More about Dr. Brittany

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish I could slow down time. I am so lucky to live the life I do and sometimes wish I could slow it down to soak it all in more. It would also help to have more time when I procrastinate. There’s so much to see in this world, and not enough time!

What is one of your actual superpowers? I make the best paper airplanes. In high school, my part-time job was at a gym, working in a play care center, and I found myself making a lot of paper airplanes. I did it all the time.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would be out of the house, outdoors, spending time with friends and family.

What is your favorite snack? Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Pretzels!

What is your favorite cartoon or animated movie? Monsters, Inc.

DR. BRITTANY’S PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Brittany Granoski graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2018 with her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.). After graduation, she completed a 1-year Pediatric General Practice Residency at IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University. She then completed her pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota, where she served as Chief Resident.

DR. BRITTANY’S PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Brittany Granoski is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Nova Scotia Dental Association, and the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

CURRICULUM VITAE

University of Alberta, Chemistry Major, Business Minor, 2014, B.S.
University of Saskatchewan, 2018, DMD
Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, 2019, Pediatric General Practice Residency
University of Minnesota, 2021, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Mary Tran-Wexler

Dr. Mary has always loved to challenge her mind. In elementary school, she was drawn to wooden puzzles, especially navigating tricky parts and the exhilarating feeling after completing the puzzle.

“Just the trial and error, and figuring out where things go,” she says, “and the accomplished feeling at the end.”

Dr. Mary admits to having a tenacious personality, so she’s bothered when she can’t complete something. In high school, a friend helped her recognize different combinations to solve a Rubik’s Cube, and she would try different brain teasers.

Even as life became very busy, her interest in puzzles and brain teasers persisted. Through college, dental school, and multiple residencies she was still doing puzzles, and after passing her board examination, Dr. Mary celebrated with a puzzle.

“I went to the dining table to do that instead of something — I don’t know — productive because it had been so busy,” Dr. Mary says. “So it was nice to sit down and work on a puzzle.”

Her mother-in-law had some puzzles for Dr. Mary, but a 1,000 piece Kodak one (depicting a colorful European town) was among the most challenging.

The colors and lines were very challenging, but Dr. Mary explained.

“If I open one and start one,” she says, “I can’t not finish it!”

Dr. Mary says that persistence is a core part of why she likes dentistry.

“I very much appreciate the end result,” she says, “like getting the kid through the appointment and having nice, healthy teeth, and working with them through the different appointments.”

More about Dr. Mary

What is one of your actual superpowers? My voice. My daughter isn’t playing any sports yet, but she will be able to hear me!

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? Picnic in a park with family and lots of friends, and really good food. Maybe some lawn games, some board games, some music. But mostly hanging out.

What is your favorite snack? Crunchy, salty snacks, so I love chips.

Why do you love your job? Kids are so fun!

What is your favorite cartoon or animated movie? Trolls World Tour. It’s so good! You have to check it out.

DR. MARY’S PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Mary Tran-Wexler graduated from the University of California San Francisco with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2013, and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota in 2022. She practiced in Berkeley California from 2015 through 2022 prior to moving to Minnesota and becoming part of Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

DR. MARY’S PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Mary is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

CURRICULUM VITAE

University of California Los Angeles, Psychobiology, B.S.
University of California San Francisco, Doctorate of Dental Surgery, 2013
Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency at Lutheran Medical Center, 2014
General Dentistry Practice, Berkeley California, 2014-2020
University of Minnesota, Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program, 2022
Past teaching experience at Lutheran Medical Center Clinical Faculty
Past teaching experience at UCSF Adjunct Clinical Faculty

Dr. Britta Kronzer

Dr. Britta started in gymnastics at the age of 3, and she developed and competed at high levels throughout her childhood.

“I loved the challenge of trying to train yourself to do something that you wouldn’t normally do on a day-to-day basis,” Dr. Britta says. “It’s such a rewarding feeling when you overcome obstacles to complete these skills and tasks. I love the perseverance aspect of it.”

In gymnastics, levels refer to the status of the gymnast according to their skillset. In the U.S., gymnastics categories are divided into levels from 1 to 10, with the latter number the most competitive.

Dr. Britta was a Level 8. One of her favorite events was the beam, a small, thin beam which is usually raised off the floor.

Though known as an individual sport, Dr. Britta loved the team aspect of gymnastics. Her club also had an annual sleepover in the gym, where the gymnasts built forts, watched movies and ate pizza. One of her fondest memories was going with her team to compete at the home stadium of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

“I loved being a part of a team environment, having teammates who believe in you,” she says. “I’m still friends with them to this day.”

After she stopped competing, Dr. Britta went on to coach for several years, focusing on the youngest gymnasts. She enjoyed working with families, and challenging the gymnasts while also ensuring their safety.

Dr. Britta says gymnastics has taught her so much about life.

“It helps me realize that there are a lot of ups and downs in life,” she says, “just like a balance beam.”

More about Dr. Britta

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish that I could be in two places at once. There’s so much I want to do in the world, and sometimes it’s hard to pick.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)? I can walk upside down on my hands. I could probably go a few feet.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would spend the day with my husband, son and dog. We would go walk at a pretty park, and picnic and spend time outside.

What is your favorite snack? I love a good brownie. Betty Crocker.

Why do you love your job? I love getting to know people, and I love getting to help kids accomplish these things that they were scared beforehand. Building that trust. Accomplish their goal of protecting their teeth.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Creamsicle.

What is your favorite cartoon or animated movie? I love Frozen. I love the music. I love singing it with people, too. Not well, but.

DR. BRITTA’S PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Britta A. Kronzer graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2020. She practiced as a general dentist at a community clinic in Rochester, MN for a year prior to pursuing pediatric residency. She then went on to receive her Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Minnesota in 2023, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Britta then joined the Camp Smile Team in the summer of 2023.

DR. BRITTA’S PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Britta is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Britta is also a part time adjunct faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in the pre-doc pediatric clinic.

CURRICULUM VITAE

St. Olaf College, Chemistry 2016, B.A.
University of Minnesota, 2020, D.D.S.
University of Minnesota, 2023, Pediatric Certificate
General Dentist, Rochester, MN 2020-2021

Michelle

Michelle loves so much about her hometown of Silver Lake, a town west of the Twin Cities that boasts a population fewer than nine hundred residents. She loves the tight-knit community. In her youth, she was among fifteen to twenty children in town who regularly played together. Most of all, she loves her family tradition of fishing.

While there are several lakes near Silver Lake, Michelle’s favorite is Collinwood.

“That’s where we would typically bring our family’s boat,” she recalls. “Fishing always brought joy to me.”

Her fondest childhood memory was — equipped with her own pole and Snoopy bobber — competing with her older sister and parents to catch the first fish. “Whoever did,” she says, “got a dollar.”

Naturally, her parents never won. The sister who didn’t catch the fish still received some money to buy a modest treat.

The town didn’t have a Dairy Queen, bowling alley, or anywhere else for kids to hang out; the only real places to get snacks were the pop and candy machines at the gas station.

These memories compelled Michelle to return to Silver Lake after earning her college degree in Mankato.

“I like the small town,” she says. “If you need something, you can always call the neighbor and get the help you need.”

After graduating and starting her new job, Michelle is ready to regularly resume fishing on the nearby lakes. Although she often goes with her boyfriend and dog, she also brings along nieces and nephews.

“I just love spending time on the lake, enjoying the great outdoors and sunshine,” she says. “We go wherever we hear they’re biting.”

More about Michelle

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? Sleep in and then spend the day at the lake– enjoying each other’s company and making memories with family and friends. Catching fish would be a bonus!

What is your favorite snack? Jerky and cheese

Why do you love your job? The people—the patients, the families, and the coworkers—are amazing. It is fun to see children excited to be at Camp Smile and learning about the importance of oral health! Plus, where else can you bust out in song or dance and have others join in?

Favorite fluoride flavor? Bubble gum

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Finding Nemo

Brittany

In 2016, thanks to a friend, Brittany landed a job at St. Paul Harley-Davison, working in the clothing section. Friendly by nature, she got to know everyone there.

But after she left for another job, one of the sales associates there sent her a private message on Facebook.

“He was asking me out,” Brittany says.

Brittany declined.

But Jason persisted and, later on, followed up with another message. Brittany decided they could have breakfast and go for a ride on his motorcycle.

“The rest is history,” she says.

In September 2019, Jason’s motorcycle club made its annual trip to the Wilderness Resort. One evening, around 9 p.m., Brittany was admittedly “hangry,” upset that she hadn’t been able to eat dinner yet. But Jason insisted they walk to the beach.

Upon arrival, Brittany was welcomed by friends, torches and a blanket with rose petals and a small box laying on it.

Jason proposed, and Brittany accepted.

Brittany and her father are planning to take motorcycle lessons together. But Brittany now loves being on a bike.

“I love the thrill and freedom,” she says. “It’s you and the bike, and it gives you time to think. It’s a great stress reliever.”

As she did at the Harley-Davidson, though, Brittany loves helping families and patients at Camp Smile.

“I love being able to make kids comfortable in every situation,” she says.

More about Brittany

What superpower do you wish you had? The ability to see into the future!

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you unique and special)? The ability to care about anyone. I love that my mom taught me to be a compassionate human. The world needs more of that. I love building people’s self-confidence and self-love up.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? Literally anything my three-year-old wanted. I’d let her plan the day and then spend it with the rest of my family on my grandparent’s 80 acres. That is my happy place.

What is your favorite snack? Cool Ranch Doritos with my homemade dip.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Frozen! I love the message this movie gives kids. And honestly, I tear up every time I watch it because of the bond between Elsa and Anna. That’s how close I am to my two sisters. We would move mountains for each other.

Terrece

Terrece has always loved babies, working as a babysitter from a young age and desiring to have her own children.

But in high school, there was a program where students could learn about various jobs within the medical field. Eventually, Terrece earned an internship in a labor and delivery unit.

“And I fell in love,” she says.

Terrece decided to head to nursing school, but she realized there were too many elements of being a nurse that she didn’t like.

“I couldn’t find my fit,” she says. “but then I became a doula, and it was exactly what I was looking for!”

A doula is a professional labor assistant, who provides physical and emotional support to prospective moms and their partners during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. She estimates that she’s helped with over 200 deliveries.

“It is my passion, and I love helping families grow,” Terrece says. “I love babies, but I always tell my clients, ‘I’m there for you as a resource while they’re infants, but as soon as they become a toddler, you’re on your own!’ ”

But now a single mother of two, Terrece says it’s difficult to make a commitment to be a doula, given the unpredictable hours and needs.

“It’s a little bit hard to leave, at any given moment, to go to a birth,” Terrece says.

More about Terrece

Ability to read minds.

What is your actual superpower? Ability to jump in during emergencies. I’ve saved a handful of people, and I have assisted in over 200 birth deliveries.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? Netflix in PJs in a blanket fort made by my two kids, and eating ALL the snacks. I like anything chocolate.

What is your favorite snack? Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg.

Why do you love your job? Interacting with all the kiddos and making their day with tokens!

Favorite fluoride flavor? Bubble gum

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Encanto or Finding Nemo. The story line and music is fantastic. Finding Nemo, there’s adult humor and kid humor, so it’s fun for everybody.

Shelby

In fifth or sixth grade, Shelby decided to try playing an instrument, and she picked the clarinet.

“I really liked the sound of it and liked how it looked,” Shelby says. “It’s just pretty, with the silver and black.”

Shelby says music doesn’t run in her family, but she learned the instrument relatively quickly, and she enjoyed the entire experience. Then, at Osseo High School, Shelby joined the Marching Band.

“That was fun for me,” Shelby says, recalling a Halloween Parade the 90-person band won first place in. “We had a pretty new band director, and she was awesome.”

Shelby likes fast-paced music, and she says Taylor Swift is her favorite artist. In fact, Shelby says she’s seen Swift twice in concert.

“I just like the way she writes songs,” Shelby says. “I feel like it’s very personal to her life, but also a lot of us can relate to it—and it’s very clever.”

Shelby’s interest in music clearly has impacted her household because her brother now plays the trumpet. But, she adds, he isn’t as serious about the instrument as she was about the clarinet.

More about Shelby

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish I could heal the sick, diseased, injured.

What is your actual superpower? I used to be a gymnast, so I’m pretty flexible and can do all three splits. I was the only one on the (high school) team that could do the splits on a beam, so that was cool.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? With friends or family on a warm beach somewhere. We just went on a cruise in the Dominican Republic.

What is your favorite snack? Muddy Buddies. It’s just nostalgic because we used to make it when I was little.

Why do you love your job? I love helping people and making them smile, especially the little ones!

Favorite fluoride flavor? Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Princess and the Frog. My mom is originally from Louisiana, so that’s like her favorite Disney movie. And my brother has pet frogs too.

Morgan

Morgan had a revelation while working on a clay project in her seventh-grade art class. She realized she had talent and passion as an artist. So she continued to work with clay and did some abstract painting and drawing and even some art on computers.

But her proudest piece sits in the family room of her parents. It’s a tribute to her grandparents, who often took care of her when she was a little girl.

“My grandmother was into gardening, and my grandpa was always outside,” Morgan recalls.

So as a high school senior, Morgan came up with the idea to make clay sculpture of flowers — about the height of pencils — emerging from a pile of dirt.

“It represented life after someone leaves, that they’re still there for you,” Morgan says.

The tribute won several awards and many compliments from family members.

Naturally, in Morgan’s free time, she still enjoys painting, crafting and drawing.

“Being creative helps me relieve stress and wind down after a busy day,” she says.

Morgan still gets requests, too.

A few years ago, her little sister Abby was really into Monster High, so Morgan painted a mural on Abby’s bedroom wall.

Morgan says she’s able to connect with some kids, who also enjoy art.

“And because I’m creative,” she says, “I also come up with stories to help keep the kids calm.”

More about Morgan

What superpower do you wish you had? To control the weather because then I can make it summer whenever I want to or make it stop raining or snowing!

What is your actual superpower? The ability to work with children and its easy for kids to feel comfortable with me. I’ve always been told that I’m great with kids.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would spend it with my nieces and nephew by making some type of craft or project.

What is your favorite snack? Grapes

Why do you love your job? I love hanging with all the kids!

Favorite fluoride flavor? Grape

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? All three Hotel Transylvania movies and my favorite part is, “I don’t say blah, blah, blah.”

Kaylee

Many Minnesota families have cabins.

However, Kaylee is proud that her family’s cabin on Lake Minnetonka’s Big Island dates back more than a century.

“There’s just a lot of history and family life…a lot of memories made,” Kaylee says. “I grew up there. The cabin definitely means a lot to our family, and none of us want to sell in the near future.”

It started modestly as an ice cabin but slowly evolved over the years. By the 1960s, it had transformed into a house—complete with indoor plumbing. Historically, the cabin is the busiest over the Fourth of July holiday when everyone in the family sleeps over and watches fireworks over the lake.

“You’d feel the fireworks off the water,” Kaylee recalls. “It was definitely really fun.”

Kaylee’s family lived twenty minutes from the cabin, so they were fixtures there throughout her childhood. She fondly recalls sitting on her grandpa’s lap as they drove the boat across Lake Minnetonka. Grandpa John took her and others on many adventures, including tubing, water skiing, and sailing. After their activities, they’d roast hot dogs and s’mores over a fire.

“He was the most generous person,” Kaylee says of her grandpa. “Very positive…and he loved the cabin. He always had projects going on, [was] always trying to enhance it. He had ten sets of every tool and a workshop in the basement. He loved to see people enjoy the cabin.”

The boats were slowly upgraded: Row boat, fishing boat, speed boat.

What is Kaylee’s favorite activity? Jet-skiing.

“I love going fast and being aggressive and getting some air,” she says. “It’s just thrilling with the wind blowing in your hair.”

Kaylee is thankful for her new family at Camp Smile, where the culture is encouraging and positive.

“I’m super grateful for the Camp Smile family,” Kaylee says. “We help each other out, and we’re willing to teach. I just feel at home here. I now enjoy coming to work and…the experience that we create for patients.”

More about Kaylee

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I enjoy being outdoors. In the summer, I’d love to be at the cabin or go rock climbing. In the winter, I would probably spend it ice skating; but, it would be really fun to go snowmobiling in the Colorado mountains.

What superpower do you wish you had? To be fully energized without the need for sleep.

What is one of your actual superpowers? I am wonderful at encouraging and building others up so that they are better off than they were before we met.

What is your favorite snack? Either ice cream, chocolate, or tiramisu.

Why do you love your job? The positive and friendly people and the encouraging learning environment.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Strawberry

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? How to Train Your Dragon

Ashley

In her earliest memories, Ashley recalls her mother reading aloud to her. Trips to the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library in her hometown of Crosby, Minnesota, were regular occurrences. By the age of four, Ashley had a “go-to” book.

“It was Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” Ashley recalls. “I just liked all the rhyming.”

Using different voices, her mom was very animated when reading stories.

Her mother helped to instill in Ashley a love of reading. However, Ashley’s passion for reading waned over the years—until J.K. Rowling released Harry Potter.

“It was really what got me to read again,” Ashley says. “It’s about adventure. Now, I’ve been reading ever since.”

Ashley currently favors historical fiction, and she highlights The Help as one of her favorite books.

“You kind of learn something, and it’s pretty interesting,” she says.

After moving to the Twin Cities from Duluth, Ashley now spends more time with her two-year-old niece Maddi. Of course, she reads with her. It goes without saying that she must pass along her childhood favorite to Maddi.

“And she loves it!” Ashley says of reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to her niece.

Ashley’s literary passion is one of the ways she connects with children.

“They’re so interesting,” Ashley says of kids. “…[W]hen they’re scared, I love to get them through the appointment and show them that going to the dentist isn’t scary. And I love all their stories. Sometimes, they make your day with their random, funny stories.”

More about Ashley

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would spend the whole day shopping! I love, love shopping!

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish I could fly.

What is one of your actual superpowers? I have been told I have a soft heart and calming personality that comes in handy when working with kiddos.

What is your favorite snack? My favorite snack is cheese!

Why do you love your job? I have been working with kids my entire dental career and love it! I love making kids’ dental experience a good time and just love chatting with the kids. They always tell the best stories.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Bubble gum

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? The Emoji Movie

Serenia

Music was a constant throughout Serenia’s childhood. Her mother always had music playing in their home, and they would sing along on car rides. Her mother was intentional to expose her to music from different cultures. They’d attend events with Native American instruments or African drums.

“She wanted us to hear other types of music,” Serenia says.

Serenia’s mother instilled a love of music in her. As a result, she played the violin and enjoys the symphony and orchestra.

“I have an all-around love of music,” Serenia says. “I played violin for 10 years, and my daughter plays the violin as well.”

Serenia enjoys closing her eyes and hearing the beautiful sounds violin strings create.

“It kind of takes you out of the moment,” she says.

When she’s listening to music (often with her headphones on), Serenia favors songs from a specific decade.

“I am a child of the 80s! Hair bands, power ballads, music that stands the test of time…my daughter doesn’t appreciate it!”

When she wears her headphones, Serenia often closes her eyes and pretends she’s performing the song in front of 35,000 screaming fans. In reality, she’s doing the dishes, laundry, or other household chores.

Be warned: If you do not have a lot of time, do not ask Serenia to name some of her favorite songs from the 1980s.

“I could go on for hours!”

More about Serenia

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would walk around the Sculpture Garden and Loring Park, which are two of my favorite places.

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish I had the ability to time travel. To observe some of our defining moments in history would be amazing.

What is one of your actual superpowers? According to my daughter, I’m the best mom a girl can have. I think that’s super.

What is your favorite snack? French fries

Why do you love your job? No two days are the same. It’s both exciting and challenging. I get to meet new people every day.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Walterberry

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? That’s a tough one. Combination of Moana, Coco, Zootopia, A Goofy Movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Big Hero 6, Shrek 2 and The Amazing World of Gumball.

Ashley

When she’s not working, Ashley is probably traveling — and we don’t mean by foot, bike, or even car! She averages one trip a month, so it’s not surprising she’s already been to Washington, Oregon, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alaska this year.

Ashley searches for budget-friendly flights to locales that are usually warm and near water, and she loves to sample new foods, explore new landmarks and landscapes, and discover new cultures and experiences.

There’s one catch: Ashley doesn’t like to plan much.

Take her trip to Hawaii. She and a friend did some basic research, but they mostly left their schedule open.

“Sometimes, it stresses me out more to have a set itinerary,” Ashley says. “I just kind of like to go with the flow.”

They visited two islands in Hawaii, and they rode a moped and snorkeled. The highlight was driving up a mountainside (8,000 feet above sea level) and watching the sunset.

“We were above the clouds! It felt like you were in an airplane, but we were in a compact car. It was breathtaking.”

Ashley has a natural curiosity, which also helps her connect with people.

In the future, Ashley hopes to broaden her travel adventures to other countries.

“I really want to explore Greece with a few of my friends,” Ashley says. “I have always dreamed of traveling there but haven’t made it yet. Hopefully, I will someday.”

More about Ashley

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish I could touch people’s hands and feel exactly what they feel (pain, emotions, etc…). When people say something hurts, we don’t know how it actually feels to them. If someone is excited, you would be able to share that exact feeling!

What is one of your actual superpowers? I don’t know if it’s a superpower, but one unique thing about me is that my fingers, thumbs, and arms are all really bendy and double-jointed.

What is your favorite snack? Anything cheesy

Why do you love your job? I love coming to work and helping kids have an awesome experience at the dentist like I did when I was growing up. It’s so fun to see patients progress from visit to visit.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Orange cream

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. “Tigger” was my nickname when I was little because I had so much energy and would literally bounce all over.

Julia

When she was a little girl growing up in Maple Grove, Julia loved her family’s Friday night tradition.

“I’m a board game maniac,” Julia says. “I loved playing them. It’s also fun to get together with family and friends and have something fun to do.”

Go Fish and Crazy Eights were early games she learned and favored, then she transitioned to Apples to Apples and Monopoly. But there was one game others didn’t like playing with her.

“The game of Life. Everyone thought I cheated at it, and no one wanted to play against me,” says Julia, who usually chose to be a police officer. “Even now, I ask my sister, and she still says, ‘No.’ ”

For a friend’s birthday, Julia once customized a Chutes and Ladders board, with fun challenges like jumping jacks.

When she wasn’t able to see family as often due to COVID-19, Julia says they played together online, via the Chips and Guac Game of the Houseparty app.

“It was fun, but not the same,” she says. “I still like doing it in person, and I like the old-school games, too.”

Julia adds that talking to young patients about their favorite board games is one of her go-to conversation starters.

More about Julia

What superpower do you wish you had? Teleportation or fly. I love to travel, so if I could save travel time, and fly to Greece for the day, that would be awesome! Plus, I think it would be neat to fly at night and see the city.

What is one of your actual superpowers? I love to use my bubbly personality to spread positivity and happiness.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I love spending time with family and friends. My perfect free day in the summer would be swimming and boating at the lake. In the winter, I enjoy snuggling by the fireplace while watching movies and eating popcorn all day.

What is your favorite snack? Chips and guacamole. Yum!

Why do you love your job? I love working with kids! My goal is to help make a positive impact on happy and healthy smiles.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Finding Nemo. Every time I watch it, it’s fun and cheerful, and there are parts that I cry.

Kelsey

Kelsey can pinpoint when one of her hobbies started, tracing it back to middle school.

“I’m a bit of a shopaholic, you could say,” Kelsey says. “Retail therapy makes me feel good. I just love shopping. It’s my happy place and so fun.”

She “blames” the passion — or it is an obsession? — on her older sister, Courtney. Kelsey had to “tag along” with her sister once to the mall, and she was immediately hooked. In fact, the sisters had a tradition of visiting the outlet mall to do some shopping with friends, and grabbing some lunch and ice cream while there.

“We have always been close growing up,” she said of her relationship with Courtney. “Shopping was something that we would do during the summer, and it’s something we’ve continued to do as sisters, to bond, to hang out.”

In those early years, Kelsey said they both loved shopping for shoes and clothes, especially at The Buckle. Kelsey lived with her sister in college, and they continued shopping together once or twice a week.

So how did Kelsey fund her passion?

In middle and high school, she earned money through her allowance and babysitting. When she got older, she picked up other jobs working at Starbucks and Trade Secret.

Over time, Kelsey’s shopping habits and traditions have changed. She doesn’t spend as much time shopping, instead having specific stores she likes to visit. She prefers the stores at the Mall of America, and now likes “comfy” clothes, like athletic gear.

“I like to work out,” she said, “and being comfortable. Occasionally, I dress up.”

More about Kelsey

What superpower do you wish you had? To be able to go back in time and relive some special memories.

What is one of your actual superpowers? I like to sing and dance when no one is watching. You can catch me jamming out in my car and room!

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would spend it with friends at a beach and soaking up the sun!

What is your favorite snack? Chocolate

Why do you love your job? Working with kids is so rewarding. I love turning their negative experience into a positive one. There’s nothing better than hearing them say at the end of their appointment, “the dentist is so fun!” Knowing that you had some impact in their life and overcoming their fear is the best feeling!

Favorite fluoride flavor? Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Frozen. I liked the singing in it! The second one is good, but I liked the first Frozen better.

Abby

Abby, like so many children, started with puzzles of farm animals and shapes when she was two years old.

Her interest turned into passion, and the number of puzzle pieces just grew and grew. She collected and purchased them, and she enjoyed spending her free time puzzling.

In fact, her family currently has a six-foot tall cabinet filled with hundreds of puzzles.

“I liked anything I could do with my hands,” Abby says. “I also liked LEGOs.”

Now that’s she’s working, Abby says, she still enjoys and appreciates puzzles after work and on weekends.

“During work, I’m running around, doing different things,” she says. “But when I’m puzzling, I can just focus on one thing.”

Abby says her mother pokes fun at her about her “rainy day” pleasures.

“My mom says I like the activities of a grandma,” Abby says, noting that she also likes to embroider and sew.

The oldest of four, Abby says she gets her interest in building and putting things together from her father, who is handy. She remembers him building bike racks and jumps, and he was always working on a project around the house or yard.

More about Abby

What superpower do you wish you had? I wish I had super smell, so I could tell when people are making cookies.

What is one of your actual superpowers? My whole family calls me Eagle ears, because I have a good sense of hearing. It’s good because I like to know what’s going on around me.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I love summer turning into fall, so I would probably sleep in, and then go to an apple orchard. Then when I come home, I would make cookies and build a puzzle with some hot chocolate. That would be perfect!

What is your favorite snack? I love anything from Taco Bell.

Why do you love your job? I just think kids are hilarious, and I love laughing with them and making them laugh.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Cotton candy

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 4. I didn’t like 3. I didn’t like the Lotto Bear. He was too creepy.

Nichole

In one of her first jobs, Nichole remembers listening to her employer tell stories about different experiences and recipes as a cake decorator.

Nichole was fascinated.

Nichole decided to try one of the recipes, so she and her mom went to work.

That is when the two started a tradition of baking together.

“My mom always loved trying new recipes,” Nichole says. “So, it’s just kind of something I grew up with.”

As a little girl, Nichole enjoyed helping her mom in the kitchen. She would complete tasks like placing flour in the mixer.

By high school, they would team up in the kitchen and find inspiration in various baking shows. Some of their favorites were America’s Test Kitchen, Cupcake Wars, and The Great British Baking Show.

Nichole’s two sisters are both gluten-free, and they love her chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. She also enjoys making a chocolate torte and Bavarian cream, something her grandmother made every Christmas.

“I’m trying to start that tradition in my family,” she says.

Nichole’s favorite part of the entire process is decorating.

“It’s not so much about the actual baking, but the presentation aspect of it,” she says. “You can do whatever you want with a cake.”

More about Nichole

What superpower do you wish you had? Teleportation so I could get places faster and without having to get on an airplane.

What is your actual superpower? People say I have a big heart. I care about people and their well-being. At church, I help with special needs individuals.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would spend time with my nieces and nephews. We would get something to drink from Starbucks, and then do a little baking with a good movie on.

What is your favorite snack? Anything chocolate!

Why do you love your job? I love working with people. Families, their kids, and coworkers.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Anything Disney. Especially, Despicable Me because my nieces and nephews love it.

Bobbi

For Bobbi, books are a break from reality. Her passion for reading really started to flourish in high school, and she was drawn to fiction.

“Just escaping into a different world is nice,” Bobbi says.

When she was younger, Bobbi enjoyed the Harry Potter series. Usually, she prefers to read a book and then watch the movie. But she said it was the opposite with Harry Potter—and she didn’t mind at all.

“I feel like sometimes reading the book first, you’re disappointed by the movie because it’s not as detailed,” she says. “But (with Harry Potter), I watched the movies first, and I read the books, and I liked that. Since it’s a fantasy world, it was almost easier to see it and then read the book because it’s easier to picture those things.”

A mother now of a toddler, Bobbi says free time is hard to come by. So she enjoys the escape of reading, and she’s come to enjoy the author Colleen Hoover. She recently completed the books Verity and November 9.

“I feel like she has a writing style where it’s easy to read and smooth, but also the story is a little bit complex,” Bobbi says. “One book had a very big twist and turns, where you were not expecting the ending. And the other kind of ends on a question, so you don’t know whether you go one way or go the other way.”

Meanwhile, Bobbi is enjoying her work at Camp Smile, though there’s one unique challenge: Her name.

There’s another Bobbi in the office, and Dr. Augustyn’s birthday is just a day before hers.

More about Bobbi

What superpower do you wish you had? The ability to control time. I would pause time to get more sleep.

What is your actual superpower? Finding the positive in any situation. A lot of the time, finding the negative is so easy for people, whereas flipping it and making it a positive situation keeps me in a good mood, keeps me happy. I move on quickly, and I’m not one to hold grudges or dwell on things.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I would spend it hanging out with my husband, daughter, and two cats—either staying home and relaxing or going to the zoo.

What is your favorite snack? Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Puffs. They’re addicting.

Why do you love your job? I love seeing kids excited to start their ortho journey and seeing the changes that take place, and watching their confidence grow.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? I love Megamind. Watching his character growth makes me warm and fuzzy.

Fozyia

Fozyia emigrated from Ethiopia to the United States about six years ago.

The transition was difficult, but Fozyia also found her self often putting her feelings aside and focusing on making others happy.

“Being raised in Ethiopia is a lot different than here,” Fozyia says. “In Ethiopia, I don’t think there’s girl power they call it here.”

Fozyia said motivational speakers helped her transition to the U.S. When she was working at Target, Fozyia was inspired by a customer who spoke positively about Hollis’ book and encouraged her to read one.

“Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals” by Rachel Hollis was a book Fozyia couldn’t put down.

“I would say I apologize a lot,” Fozyia says. “(Hollis) is motivational. She encourages you to stop apologizing and being authentic. She motivated me to be better and to work harder. I started reading her books, and then I just got obsessed with it.”

Fozyia says she was shy when she first arrived in the U.S. But she’s become more social and outgoing.

“I can say what I want to say, and work, and go after my dream,” she says.

Growing up in Ethiopia, Fozyia didn’t particularly like to read. But she started to enjoy reading when she got to the U.S., and she was influenced by a younger cousin who would spend all of a free day reading a book.

“She loves to read book, and she reads one book a day,” Fozyia says. “So I picked up that habit from her.”

Reading was calming for her cousin, and Fozyia thought books might help calm her down, too. So the two started reading Harry Potter books together and discuss them over a meal or at a cafe.

More about Fozyia

What superpower do you wish you had? Reading minds. It’s just interesting. I feel like you, if you have the ability to read minds, and see what people are thinking and what people are into, then you can relate to them more.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)? I’m a great listener. I have the ability to pay attention to detail. I’ve been told I’m a compassionate person.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I’m a very big family person, so I would go to the beach with my family and have lunch and ice cream, and maybe a movie.

What is your favorite snack? Funyuns. The saltiness is my guilty pleasure.

Why do you love your job? I get to shape kids’ minds about what oral health is, and to teach them how important it is.

Favorite fluoride flavor? Strawberry.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Moana. She’s so strong, and her ability to bring people together.

Erin

Erin cannot precisely recall when her fascination with bees started, but she suspects it was a documentary she watched in high school.

Her interest, though, was piqued enough that she wanted to learn more and read a few books.

For as long as she can remember, Erin liked honey, especially honey sticks.

“I’ve loved those forever,” Erin says. “But I love anything honey and obviously you gotta have bees.”

Erin discovered lots of interesting facts about bees through her research.

“The thing about bees, they’re so misunderstood,” Erin says. “People just look at them and think, ‘Oh no, it’s a bee! I’m gonna get stung!’ ”

Erin notes that honey bees only sting if threatened, and she adds that they’re really important.

“We couldn’t do anything without bees,” Erin says, referring to their impact in pollination of agricultural crops. “And they’re hard workers, which is cool. Just the way that they operate. I just think they’re cool and then they’re super helpful.”

One of her favorite books focuses on beekeeping, something she hopes to do someday.

“I’ve read that cover-to-cover twice,” she says. “I want to be prepared when the time comes for me to be able to get my own hive.”

Erin says that won’t happen until she gets her own home. But those who know Erin are well aware of her passion for bees, which is why she gets gifted a lot of bee-related items.

As for honey, Erin doesn’t purchase it at the grocery store.

“I always try to buy local,” she says. “The taste of honey definitely changes depending on where you are, but I always want to support local beekeepers.”

More about Erin
What superpower do you wish you had?
I would like to be able to speak and understand any language, because then I could talk to anybody, and I could go anywhere, and I could help a lot of people.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?
People tell me I have a really big heart. I really care a lot for other people and animals, and I’m just a really empathetic person.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
I would probably have a full day of hiking in the woods. Maybe take my cat on the hike. He likes to go on backpack rides with my husband and I. It would be fun to spend some time with family and friends, too.

What is your favorite snack?
Cheese and crackers with apples.

Why do you love your job?
I just love creating that positive environment for the kids, and I like having fun with them. I feel like the dentist can be really scary and overwhelming for a lot of people, and so I like making it a lot of fun.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Cherry.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
I’ll say Lilo & Stitch. Visually, I like that movie, and I feel like that one always makes me smile.

Ellie

There was so much about volleyball that Ellie enjoyed when she was younger.

“I loved the energy,” she recalls. “After every point that you win, you come together as a team and celebrate. But the plays that are huge, it’s just so fun to jump around and yell with your teammates.”

That didn’t include the excitement from the crowd, she adds.

In high school, Ellie was an outside hitter, which is the main attacking player who tries to finish plays with a spike. But when she was recruited to play volleyball in junior college, she switched to defensive specialist, in part, because she wasn’t as tall as some of peers who competed as outside hitters.

“I also really liked that position,” she says, “because I like to dive and throw myself out there. It’s really fun.”

Ellie played at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, and she had an excellent experience.

“I learned so much, and I had the best coaching I’ve ever had in my life,” Ellie says. “And I loved my teammates, and it was so much fun.”

But after a few seasons, Ellie decided to start running. She worked her way up to three runs a week, with one spanning five or six miles, another 10 miles and then a half marathon on the weekend.

“It’s obviously a lot different,” Ellie says, contrasting running to playing volleyball on a team. “I want to find a running group because none of my close friends run, so I do just go on my own. But I don’t know. It’s hard to talk and run at the same time.”

Besides, Ellie rather enjoys the solitude of running.

“Everything’s calm, and I’m just focusing on my run,” she says. “It’s just really nice to turn on the running mode and not really think about anything else.”

She listens to her “Running Playlist,” which features upbeat songs.

Eventually, Ellie wants to run a marathon.

“Hopefully in the fall, I might sign up for the Twin Cities Marathon,” she says. “I’m still debating it.”

More about Ellie
What superpower do you wish you had?
Super speed or flying. Super speed because I like to run. But flying, you would get to places faster, and you can see things from a different perspective.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?
I’m a good listener. People can come to me and tell me things and know I will listen, pay attention and empathize, and keep information safe.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
I would go to my cabin in Pequot Lakes, about 20 minutes from the college I went to. I would swim in the lake. My dad loves to paint, and sometimes I like to sit with him and paint and draw.

What is your favorite snack?
Pink Lady Apples and Zesty Garden Ranch Veggie Straws

Why do you love your job?
I love my job because every patient is different, and every day is a challenge. I like the small wins, like if you have a kid that’s really shy, and maybe this time they let you brush their teeth, or floss their teeth, and they didn’t do that last time.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Mint

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
Ratatouille. I think it’s really funny and the concept is really great, and it takes place in France.

Laura

Laura was content in her native Kenya, but her stepsister Laurida had a bold idea.

She wanted to apply for the Diversity Visa Program, which makes available 55,000 immigrant visas annually and aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants from countries with low numbers of immigrants.

“My stepsister was like, ‘Hey, can we try apply for this thing?’ I’m like, ‘I don’t think I want to leave Kenya. I want to stay here with my mom, my parents, my family,’ ” Laura recalls telling her stepsister. “But she said, ‘Let’s just give it a try.’ ”

Laurida did all the work, filling out applications for both of them. Laura figured that was the end of the conversation, especially since more than 11 million people apply to the program each year.

But there was news — and Laura was left shocked.

“She didn’t get it, and I did,” Laura says.

Laura told her stepsister she didn’t want to go. But Laurida wasn’t at all bitter.

“Hey, I applied, and I didn’t get it, and you did,” Laura recalls her stepsister telling her. “You got it, so there must be a reason. Just go and try and see how it goes.”

Laurida knew someone in Minnesota, and she made the connection for Laura, who arrived in February 2017.

“It was cold,” Laura says, “and my host was hosting other people. Nine men, and me, but I knew I needed to be brave.”

Laura worked at Amazon but didn’t enjoy the work. Then she got a temp job in packaging at General Mills. Laura, though, wanted more, and she reflected on her educational experience in Kenya. She had gone to school for community oral health, which meant she went and spoke to people at schools and clinics about oral hygiene. So she enrolled at Hennepin Technical College’s Dental Assistant program.

“I wanted to shine,” she says. “I wanted to really shine, and the instructors were awesome.”

Her temp job quickly became full-time, so Laura had an overwhelmingly challenging schedule. She worked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday. Then she raced home, showered and then headed to school, with her first class usually starting at 7 a.m.

So when did she sleep?

“Good question,” she says.

Laura relied on power naps and Kenyan tea, and the support and encouragement of her professors. Classes usually concluded at 5 p.m.

Though it was really hard, Laura graduated in July 2021 with an Associate Degree in Dental Assisting.

“I don’t know how I did it,” Laura says. “But I had two incredible instructors. Whenever I was stuck, they would encourage me, and check in on me. They knew I was working full-time, but they were willing to go above and beyond to make sure I succeeded.

“I want to make them proud.”

Now, Laura is glad she moved to the United States, and her stepsister hasn’t given up.

“We’re hoping one day it will come to happen,” Laura says.

More about Laura
What superpower do you wish you had?
To be able to read people’s minds. I wish I could just see what someone is thinking. That way, when you tell me something that is not what you’re thinking about, I’ll be like, ‘I don’t think that’s what is on your mind.’

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?
My smile. I believe I have that smile, and I warm up to anyone.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
I would go back to Africa and be with my family. Sit around and chat, and see how everyone is doing. Eat some chicken; it just tastes different. And Ugali (Kenyan cornmeal)!

What is your favorite snack?
Gingerbread cookies.

Why do you love your job?
The kids! I just love honest and genuine they are. They just warm my heart.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Vanilla

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
Baby Yoda.

Annie

For 13 years, Annie worked in the media center at a middle school. One of her responsibilities was managing the iPads, which obviously kept her very, very busy.

Students would come to her if they were locked out, forgot their password, or needed to install an app, or damaged it.

But one of the oddest incidents involving an iPad involved a teacher. The teacher’s wife had a baby, and he was away for paternity leave. Then, on his first day back, he put his iPad on top of his car… and left it up there.

He didn’t realize his mistake until he arrived at school, then he backtracked on his route from home to find the iPad.

“It was on Highway 7, and it looked like a Pringle,” Annie says.

Since she interacted with people so much, Annie wanted to have conversation starters around her.

“Middle schoolers are very silly,” she says, “and one of the kids gave me a giant Lego head that to store stuff in it.”

That inspired her to start collecting little things that are supposed to be large and vice versa. Then she started to collect miniature trash cans, featuring different materials, styles and, of course, colors.

With her budding collection, Annie started to receive some as gifts, recalling one student who got her a purple one.

“That was special because they took the time to get to know that purple was my favorite color,” she says.

Annie says she’s empathetic towards middle schoolers, and she is thankful to still be working with and around young people.

“Middle school is hard, and there’s a lot of changes, and it’s stressful,” Annie says. “So I have always enjoyed bringing a little whimsy.”

More about Annie

What superpower do you wish you had?
Invisibility. I could take a nap, whenever I wanted.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
I would spend it with my husband, my daughter and my dogs. We would go to lunch and play board and card games. Monopoly and Scrabble.

What is your favorite snack?
Sugar snap peas because they’re healthy and they’re very sweet. And they travel well.

Why do you love your job?
I like to make a difference and to know that I’m contributing.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Grape.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
Adventures of the Gummi Bears. It was just silly.

Melissa

During COVID, Melissa started to feel the weight of anxiety.

“Just how the world was changing with the pandemic and having to navigate that,” Melissa says. “When I would have a lot of emotions, it was something that I could put on paper or put on a canvas.”

It was her way to unwind after a long day.

“When everything’s quiet and settled down,” she says. “It’s more of a therapeutic thing for me, just a break from reality.”

Melissa says she’s always liked art, although she didn’t feel she had a talent for it when she was a little girl.

“I just looked at other people’s art and thought, ‘Mine doesn’t look like that.’ And then as I grew older, I realized it’s very subjective,” Melissa says. “It’s about just being creative.”

Not surprisingly, Melissa was a fan of Picasso’s work.

“I like his style,” she says.

One of the keys to stoking her interest in art is a friend of hers.

“My friend is an artist,” she says, “and he’s helped me a lot with creativity in the last few years, and just being more confident.”

Melissa says she mainly paints landscapes, but she also likes to draw people and hands.

She usually hangs her finished work up in her home, but she has gifted a few of her pieces to friends and family members.

More about Melissa
What superpower do you wish you had?
Teleportation so I could travel more. Haven’t traveled too much. I haven’t been out of the country. I’ve been to South Carolina and Las Vegas.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?
My empathy. I really care about mental health, and I love helping people and making people feel safe.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
I would probably do a movie marathon, and cuddling with my cats. I like spooky movies.

What is your favorite snack?
I really like pickles. Just the regular ones. Gedney pickles.

Why do you love your job?
Kids are very weird, and they have no filter, and it’s really fun to hear all the goofy things that come out of their mouths.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Mint.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
Wall-E. It’s really cute, and it usually makes me cry every time.

Frida

Frida immediately loved The Mandalorian when the series launched on Disney+ in November 2019.

Besides, it was nostalgic since it’s a part of the Star Wars franchise.

When she was about seven years old, Frida watched the original Star Wars trilogy at her grandparents’ cabin in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

“I thought it was really cool, actually, since I had never seen a movie about people fighting in space,” Frida says. “It was a pretty cool concept.”

She was also accompanied by her sister and a cousin, and, of course, there were lots of snacks and treats. But they didn’t watch it all in one sitting.

“We split it up over a couple of different days,” she says.

Frida’s interest in Star Wars, however, took a hiatus.

She enjoyed reading, and she fondly remembered watching American Idol with her father and grandfather.

Then a few years ago, in her 20s, Frida came across the The Mandalorian, and she was drawn to Baby Yoda.

“That really captured my attention,” Frida says. “I thought he was really cute. And then I really started to notice the action aspect of it, and I really like the storyline, too.”

More about Frida
What superpower do you wish you had?
I wish I could fly because then I could go anyplace I want to go.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?
People say that I’m a good listener. That I really hear what they have to say.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
I’d probably spend it watching the Mandalorian and resting, and just spending some time with family and friends. I would probably go outside and go for a walk and take it easy.

What is your favorite snack?
That’s a tough one! I really enjoy cookies, especially chocolate chip.

Why do you love your job?
I love my job because I love to see the kids just overcome some dental fears. Help them get comfortable.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Strawberry.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
I do like the Mandalorian but I enjoy One Piece (Japanese manga series).

Angela

As a photographer, Angela makes a unique choice.

Camera technology and capability continue to evolve, with the latest trend featuring mirrorless cameras that provide advancements in control and quality.

Angela loves taking pictures, but her tool of choice is a pink Polaroid that instantly prints pictures.

“I like to document a lot of memories,” Angela says. “If I go hiking or trail walking and I see something pretty, I just take a photo of it. I really like the outdoors and nature and, finding little details in things that people usually just brush off.”

Angela’s father enjoyed photography, and he would sit her in the yard and take pictures of her.

“He would take really cute photos,” Angela says, “and seeing those afterwards, I was like, ‘Wow, you can really capture this moment!’ ”

At first, Angela’s mother would purchase disposable cameras for her to take to camps. But Angela’s parents realized she had a good eye for photography.

She purchased a Nikon camera a few years ago, but she gifted it to her father. She simply preferred her Polaroid camera.

“I like the idea of that Polaroid film; I think it’s cute,” she says. “And sometimes, I write a little note on the picture, with a date or a little quote.”

Angela has hundreds of her favorite prints displayed, mostly in a loft in her home.

So what does she look for?

“It’s something that you just want to remember,” she says. “I could just take a picture of a happy memory, or picture of someone just sitting there.”

Like a picture of her first cat, Nacho, just looking up at her.

“He passed away, but he was my emotional support pet,” she says. “It was a picture when he was just so tiny and innocent, just new to life.”

Another favorite picture is from when she went four-wheeling, and she stopped to capture a lake with a mountain in the distance.

“t was just really beautiful,” Angela recalls. “We had to drive up really high up and just seeing that, I remember being there and just remembering how gorgeous it was and being in awe of what this world has. It makes you think about how much there is out in the world and how much we don’t know about.”

More about Angela

What superpower do you wish you had?

Time travel to go back to special moments and memories and reliving those.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?

I like to draw. I haven’t done it for a while, but I remember I used to do that, and I really enjoyed it.

Traveling. I love exploring. I think Australia would be pretty cool. Or Russia, where my mom grew up. I’ve always wanted to see where she grew up.

What is your favorite snack?

I like broccoli and cauliflower.

Why do you love your job?

I love kids. I love seeing them come in every day. I used to work in a pediatric facility in Washington, and I grew up in a huge family. My grandma had 18 kids, so I’m used to hanging around little kids, and I think their way of thinking and imagination is just so pure,

Favorite fluoride flavor?

Bubble gum.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?

SpongeBob, but I don’t know if it’s my favorite. I also liked Winnie-the-Pooh.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?

Probably hiking. If I could, up north near Duluth.

Angie

Angie first started to take pictures of classmates and teachers as part of the yearbook staff in high school. But her passion for photography really started at her grandfather’s farm.

“Our family would go up there every weekend,” Angie recalls, “and you would just see all the nature.”

Sometimes on the 90-minute drive, Angie would spot something and ask her father to pull over so she could grab her camera and take a few pictures.

Did her parents get frustrated?

“Nope, they were always for it,” Angie says.

Her favorite roadside picture was of a fawn.

“It still had its spots,” she says, “so it was really cute.”

Angie fondly recalls film photography, the long-lasting style before digital came along. In fact, the first camera she got was a disposable one that her mom gave her.

In age, though, Angie’s interest in photography hasn’t waned, and she spends a lot of her free time taking pictures. She likes to explore different areas, hiking through the woods.

Each year, Angie heads to Rangely, a small town in northwest Colorado, where her uncle lives. She loves being in the mountains and seeing all kinds of wildlife. Her family also enjoys camping and bowhunting.

“I like being outside,” Angie says. “It’s just the quietness of nature, instead of being in the city.”

Of course, her family appreciates that Angie documents their adventures with her photos.

“I’m the family photographer,” Angie says.

In Minnesota, Angie has an annual permit to visit the State Parks, and she likes to go with her dog.

“Sometimes my mom will join me,” Angie says.

More about Angie
What superpower do you wish you had?

Probably flying. Flying would be fun. I would go somewhere with mountains.

What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)?
Art, I suppose. I draw and paint, too.

If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it?
Hiking, maybe up north, near Duluth.

What is your favorite snack?
Mott’s fruit snacks.

Why do you love your job?
Working with the kids is really enjoyable and rewarding.

Favorite fluoride flavor?
Strawberry.

Favorite cartoon or animated movie?
SpongeBob. I liked it back when I was little. Even watching it now, it still makes me laugh. You notice different things.

Meet Your Care Team

Camp Directors

Dr. Bobbi Augustyn

Camp Director

Dr. Colin Maguire

Camp Director

Dr. Amelia Leuer

Camp Director

Dr. Dwight Anderson

Camp Director

Dr. Alison Seamans

Camp Director

Dr. Brittany Granoski

Camp Director

Dr. Mary Tran-Wexler

Camp Director

Dr. Britta Kronzer

Camp Director

Dr. Taylor Miller

Camp Director

Camp Counselors

Katie

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Ashley

Camp Counselor

Michelle

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Katie

Camp Counselor

Brittany

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Terrece

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Shelby

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Selena

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Kritsana

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Mindi

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Danielle

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Heidi

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Morgan

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Kaylee

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Ashley

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Serenia

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Ashley

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Stacia

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Laura

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Julia

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Kelsey

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Sommer

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Abby

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Nichole

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Bobbi

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Fozyia

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Lainey

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Erin

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