Scheduling Coordinator
Kennedy
Kennedy has been working at McKenzie River Dental since June 2024, and while she is new to the dental field, her experience in customer service has made for an easy transition into her role as scheduling coordinator. She also makes a great team with Mindi, our insurance director, up at the front desk. Kennedy’s mom has experience as an orthodontist assistant for 10+ years, and now that they are both working in similar roles, they are able to bond over the unique community that exists within the dental field.
Growing up in Hood River Oregon, Kennedy has a strong relationship with the outdoors and finds herself jumping into any river or lake she comes across, as well as swimming in the ocean when she visits the Oregon coast. She spends her time with her two brothers and her mom who live in town, keeps busy with any creative project at hand, and is known for performing at local venues as a singer/ song writer.
Office Manager
Mindi
Mindi started her career at MRD in 2023. The last 2 years she has been managing the front office where she specialized in dental insurance. She excelled in fighting insurance claims for our patients to receive their full benefit allowed.
Mindi’s dental experience started as a dental assistant, working alongside the doctor as a surgical assistant in periodontics, then she went into endodontics for 14 years which then led her to general dentistry. She & her husband purchased an electrical company where she was managing the office, went back to school to learn accounting & payroll duties. Mindi then returned to dentistry in the front office as a scheduling coordinator, then moved into her favorite role as the insurance coordinator.
Mindi wears many hats at our office. She manages the staff & front office. She also works with advertising & marketing, payroll duties and maintaining office equipment & software. Mindi is very loyal & cares deeply for her full team at MRD, working towards the very best for everyone.
Hygienist
Zoe
Zoe has worked in dentistry for over 30 years and at McKenzie River Dental since 2010. She loves getting to know each patient individually, being able to help people achieve good health and comfort with their teeth and gums. Building relationships with patients is what she loves most about her job.
A proud mom, Zoe spends time with friends and family and her favorite hobbies include pottery, gardening, hiking, swimming and biking.
Hygienist
Cinda
Cinda started her dental career in 1981. With over three decades of experience, Cinda brings a wealth of knowledge to our office. She loves the positive impact she has on her patients and vice versa.
Cinda and her husband have lived in Springfield since 1991. Cinda has three grown boys and loves gardening and spending time with family. On her time away from the office she stays busy gardening, playing games with her family and being on water.
Hygienist
Amber
Amber has been in the dental field for 22 years, working first as an orthodontic assistant and then as a hygienist. I love working with patients of all kinds, and truly enjoy helping others. Originally from Fall Creek, Amber still calls this area home with my husband and three kids. When Amber is not working, she enjoys camping, running, anything outdoors, and coaching basketball.
Hygienist
Jodi
Jodi is an Oregon native who is a busy mother of 3 boys! She had the opportunity to go to both UO and OSU and graduated from Pacific University in 2009 with her Dental Hygiene degree. She loves to laugh, enjoys traveling and spending time with her golden doodle.
She looks forward to making you feel comfortable and listened to when you come in for your dental hygiene care.
Dental Assistant
Ismael
Ismael has been working for McKenzie River Dental since January of 2024. As a dental assistant, one of his favorite parts of the job is connecting with patients. As the youngest member of our team, Ismael likes creating a fun, welcoming, and comfortable experience for all.
As a proud Mexican American, Ismael takes pride in helping Spanish speaking patients with their dental needs. He started his dental assisting career in 2022. Outside of the office, Ismael likes to spend time playing soccer, learning how to cook, and spending as much time as he can with family.
Dental Assistant
Travina
Travina has worked for McKenzie River Dental as a Dental Assistant since September of 2022. She truly enjoys the team she gets to work with here in our office. She also loves the patients she has had the opportunity to work with everyday.
One of Travina's favorite parts about her position is she gets to have that first few minutes with the patient and gets a chance to know them and have the opportunity to make them feel a little more comfortable in our chair!
Travina is a mom and wife with two large dogs at home. She likes to hike with her friends when the opportunity is there. Her most favorite thing to do though on the weekends is to be a slight introvert and snuggle up on the couch with her son, watch movies, and eat popcorn!
Dental Assistant
Jill
Jill joined our team at Mckenzie River Dental in May 2023 as a sterile technician and front office scheduler. However, Jill has continued to advance her career by becoming a dental assistant and is currently in school full-time at Lane Community College, aspiring to be a dental hygienist.
Jill is a dedicated and enthusiastic dental assistant with a passion for creating positive patient experiences. She enjoys the collaborative nature of the dental office and finds fulfillment in helping patients achieve health and confident smiles. Outside of work, Jill loves exploring the outdoors with her dog, Harper, and can often be found hiking scenic trails or casting a line at a favorite fishing spot with her partner, Brandon.
Dental Assistant
Fritz
Fritz graduated from Lane Community College Dental Assisting Program in 2013. He Enjoys helping people and making people comfortable.
Prior to dental assisting, Fritz's first career was a helicopter mechanic for 24 years in the US Navy. He has worked with Dr. Welch for over 5 years.
In his free time, Fritz can be found driving his Harley or Mustang, spending time with his grandchildren, volunteering with Vital Villages in Cottage Grove, and supporting the Oregon State Beavers!