Meet Our Team

Amber attended Illinois Central College and earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She strives to help patients overcome dental fear/anxiety and build confidence in their smile. Amber grew up around horses and enjoys going to local rodeos and country concerts. She also enjoys hiking, kayaking, or relaxing poolside in her free time!

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Meghan made the move to central Illinois to attend the dental hygiene program at Illinois Central College in 2011. She has been a registered dental hygienist since 2013, and her experience in the dental field includes working with patients in both the public health setting and in private practice. Meghan lives with her husband, Tim, who also goes by "Pork Chop", and their two dogs, Nala and Nova. In her free time, she enjoys playing games and spending time with family and friends.

Molly attended Carl Sandburg College where she received her dental hygiene degree. She has been practicing comprehensive dental hygiene with her gentle and thorough manner for over five years. Molly prides herself in employing the latest techniques and technologies in oral hygiene care for the benefit of her patients and enjoys creating lasting patient relationships, helping every patient to maximize their oral health. Molly enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Hayden, and dog, Louie, on their farm raising cows, riding horses, gardening, kayaking and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Rachael’s warm, bubbly personality and gregarious nature are favorites of patients and staff, alike. Rachael strives to give our patients an experience that is gentle, comfortable, educational and health-enhancing, working together with patients to find realistic, sustainable home care practices to improve their oral health. Rachael had five years of dental assisting experience before earning her dental hygiene degree. When not treating patients, Rachael enjoys spending time with her son, Easton, and their two cats, Nacho and Sushi. An avid reader, Rachael reads 4-5 books each month!

Patients appreciate the knowledgeable, exceptional skill that Taylor brings to their care, as well as her gentle touch in dental hygiene. Taylor regularly updates her expertise with continuing education courses and enjoys educating patients regarding innovations in dental hygiene. She is focused on developing long lasting relationships with patients, a goal shared by our entire team.

Taylor and her husband are the proud parents of two young boys who keep Taylor very active, along with her regular workouts. Their young family enjoys making family memories boating, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, and playing with their two German Shepard dogs.

Candace has been practicing dental hygiene for 30 years in Central Illinois. She has experience working in a periodontal practice and has spent most of her career working in general dentistry. She enjoys helping people maintain beautiful, healthy smiles and loves making connections with her patients. Candace is happily married with two grown sons who live in the area. She loves spending time with her family, her dog and three cats. She is so happy to be part of Smalltown Dental team!

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Lori is a registered dental hygienist that has been in dentistry for 20 years. She has 2 daughters & 1 fur baby Libby a golden doodle. Her happy place is being outdoors golfing, biking, walking, working in the yard. The most rewarding aspect of her job is building personal relationships. “It is a blessing to be on SD's team because they value each patient as an individual as well as taking pride in delivering the highest standard of care. I strive to inform/educate & empower patients to get involved in their well-being.”

Shay attended Illinois Central College from 2014-2019 where she earned an Associate's degree in Applied Science of Dental Hygiene as well as an Associate's degree in Science for Secondary Education. She has specialized training in laser bacterial reduction, local anesthetic, and in-house whitening. Her favorite part about her job is making patients smile! In her free time, Shay enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends. She is currently engaged to her fiancé Chris. Together they share a daughter Maisie, two cats, and a dog. They are also expecting twins this coming October!

Ali has been working side by side with patients as a Dental Hygienist since 2013. What she loves most about her occupation is helping patients enjoy their dental experiences in a positive and fun environment. When Ali is not working at the dental office, she enjoys cheering on the Green Bay Packers, traveling to Vegas with her husband, and having snuggles sessions with her two boys (Bobby and JJ) and two cats (Monty and Moe). Ali’s goal as a Dental Hygienist is having patients leave with a smile on their face, feeling educated, and wanting to come back to their next appointment.

Ashley attended Illinois Central College where she received her Associate Degree in Applied Science – Dental Hygiene. She then continued her education by receiving special training in anesthetic treatment, soft tissue lasers, Zoom! whitening and nitrous oxide. She has been working in the dental field for 14 years and loves getting to know her patients on a personal level. She is also passionate about teaching patients about their oral health and how to maintain a beautiful smile. Ashley is married to her husband Tim, and they have 2 children, Reed and Reese. In her free time, Ashley enjoys baking, crafting, going to her children’s sporting events, canoeing, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Janelle is a graduate from Illinois Central College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science-dental hygiene.  She has been working as a hygienist for 13 years.  She has a passion for making each dental visit comfortable and educational for her patients.  She finds her job rewarding when patients walk away from an appointment, confident with their smiles, and properly educated on how to maintain healthy oral hygiene. When away from the office she enjoys life, in rural Tremont, with her husband Brent and four children, Londyn, Tyra, Cason, and Clay.  Some of her favorite family memories are centered around the outdoors, whether that be camping, boating, being at the beach, or hiking in the mountains.

Katie is a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Dental Hygiene. Katie is married to Matt and together they have 3 children. Lexie is a nurse living in Bloomington and newly married.  Her younger 2 kids still live at home, Ellie is a full-time college student and Tate goes to Morton High School. She has a cute dog named Kit and a playful cat named Bitty. She spends most of her free time with friends and family, loves to be outside, loves baking and LOVES watching her son play baseball! Katie enjoys helping patients feel relaxed and comfortable while teaching them how to properly care for their teeth and gums. Her certifications and extended training include:

• Nitrous oxide sedation
• Local anesthesia
• OSHA

Jacquetta is a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science ― Dental Hygiene. She regularly supplements her education by attending continuing education courses. She and her husband, Brad, have three children ― Kelsey, Whitney, and Noah ― and eight grandchildren. When away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, boating, reading, and traveling. Jacquetta loves the personal interactions with her patients. She loves the personal touch she adds to their experience while caring about and educating them during their visit.

Lexi is a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science-Dental Hygiene and also an Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences. Her favorite thing about being a Hygienist is getting to know her patients, making them feel good about their smiles, and creating a comfortable, fun, and educational Dental environment. Outside of work Lexi loves to spend time with her husband, 1 year old Daughter, and 4 year old pup. She is also a big Chicago White Sox fan and loves to cook, bake, and shop in her free time.

Jacki is a registered dental hygienist with a Bachelor of Science-Dental Hygiene degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Her extended trainings include nitrous oxide sedation and administering local anesthesia. She has two sons that keep her busy with several sports and activities. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her sons, working out, running and being outdoors. “I really enjoy working in the dental field and at this office in particular. I love educating the community on oral hygiene and developing close relationships with patients.”

Amanda is a registered dental hygienist. She graduated in 2009 with an Associates in the Applied Sciences of Dental Hygiene. She enjoys creating long term relationships with her patients and making them feel comfortable. Amanda also loves spending time with her husband and 3 sons. In her free time she enjoys reading, bike riding, hiking, and playing games with her family.

Ashlee graduated from Illinois Central College in 2008 with a Degree in Applied Science-Dental Hygiene. She loves getting to know her dental patients on a personal level and strives to put them at ease. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three active boys. Her hobbies include shopping, decorating their 1800’s Farm House and watching the boys at their sporting events.  She also loves boating and spending time outdoors.

Lauren is a 2015 graduate of ICC Dental Hygiene with an associates degree in Applied Science. Nitrous oxide, CPR and local anesthetic certified. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family & friends, traveling, watching sports & binging TV. Lauren has an English Bulldog puppy named Marv who keeps her busy. She loves her job, building trusting relationships & creating a good experience for patients!

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Christine graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Dental Hygiene. Her certifications and trainings include:-Local anesthesia-Nitrous oxide sedation-Nutrition-Team BuildingChristine and her husband, Corey, have a son, Jason. When away from work, she enjoys watching her son play baseball, hiking, and being with family, friends, and her dog – Sawyer. Christine loves working with a great team that makes her job easier to address patients’ concerns and dental health. She enjoys helping her patients keep a healthy mouth and smile.

Kristie is an Illinois Central College graduate with an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Dental Hygiene and is certified in CPR. She has also been a part of the dental field for 18 years. Kristie is married to Jason and together they have 3 children – Sylvie, Cal, & Scarlett. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, exercising, cooking and shopping. Kristie loves the constant flow of new people, conversation and patient interactions. She also loves working for doctors who value their staff and encourage them. She especially loves and respects each patient and looks forward to caring for them with kindness, respect and education.

Kinsey graduated from Illinois Central College receiving an Associate in Science Degree in 2015. In addition, she received an Associate in Applied Science Degree for Dental Hygiene in 2017. Her passion is to work with children, and she has worked solely in Pediatrics since graduating. In her free time, Kinsey enjoys coaching a swim team in Dunlap, spending time with friends and family and her two cats, Smokey and Ollie. She is focused on working with children to help them overcome their dental fears and wishes to instill good oral hygiene habits at a young age.

Keri is a Registered Dental Hygienist with an associates degree in applied science from Illinois Central College. She is passionate about her job and her patients. Her favorite part is helping her patients through any dental anxiety they may have and seeing how their fears of dental offices change. When Keri isn't working, she enjoys baking, binging true crime podcasts and keeping her three crazy cats out of trouble. She says her biggest accomplishment is being the proud momma bear to a wise 17-year-old son, and a strong 19 year old daughter in the U.S. Army. “I love what I do, and I do what I love.”

Erinn has been in the dental field for 20 years. She graduated from the dental hygiene program at ICC in 2004 and was a dental assistant for 3 years prior to that. Erinn has loved meeting patients and getting to know them and their families. She has also been blessed to work with 2 of her best buds for the last 17 years. In her spare time, Erinn enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves working out and running, and raising money for St Jude.

Kelly has spent the last 24 years working for Dr. McMurray as a dental hygieniest.  What she enjoys most are all of the lasting relationships she has built with her patients over the years.  She also feels fortunate to work with two of her best friends so coming to work has never felt like work.  In her downtime, she enjoys being outdoors, hanging with friends and family, or relaxing with a good book.  Kelly is married to Charlie and has 2 sons, Nick and Nolan and her daughter Samantha.  And we can't forget Moocher her kitty cat!

Barb is the dental hygienist.  She has lived in rural Hopedale for 37 years with her husband Alan and raised their four children.  She enjoys gardening and canning.  Barb has worked with Dr. Dutz for 39 years.  She received her degree from Illinois Central College in 1980.  Barb enjoys the bonds that she has made with her patients on a dental level as well as a personal level.

Lori is a registered dental hygienist that has been in dentistry for 20 years. She has 2 daughters & 1 fur baby Libby a golden doodle. Her happy place is being outdoors golfing, biking, walking, working in the yard. The most rewarding aspect of her job is building personal relationships. “It is a blessing to be on SD's team because they value each patient as an individual as well as taking pride in delivering the highest standard of care. I strive to inform/educate & empower patients to get involved in their well-being.”

Jean is a registered dental hygienist with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Associate Degree in Education from Illinois Central College. She also attended the University of Michigan for 2 years before moving to Illinois.  She supplements her education by attending continuing education courses.  Her training also includes local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation. Jean has 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. In her free time she enjoys Tai Chi, hiking, vegetable gardening, canning and also traveling. “I look forward to each day seeing patients and helping them continue and improve their dental health.  I enjoy working with my co-workers and especially the kind and caring dentists in our office.”

Donna has been a dental hygienist for 25 years. She earned her Associates in Applied Science degree at ICC. She has a son that keeps her busy going to football and basketball games, which she loves. She also loves reading, travel, fitness, sporting events, fantasy football, Sunday Fundays and hanging out with friends. She is passionate about St. Jude and has committed to another year of running in the Mackinaw to Peoria run. “I love my position as a dental hygienist because of the amazing people that I have come to know on a personal and professional level. The special friendships that I have made in the past 25 years have been a joy in my life. I am passionate about the patients and the care that I give them, and I’m dedicated to making their dental experience a great one!”

Joanna is a registered dental hygienist. She graduated from Illinois Central College in 2018 with an Associates Degree in the Applied Sciences of Dental Hygiene. She grew up with two brothers and a sister. She has a love for animals, and currently has a pet cat named Flynn and a new kitten Pepper. In her free time, she loves to run, bake desserts, and spend time with her family. She has been a dental professional for a little over a year  and is enjoying it so far. “I like working in the dental field, because I enjoy educating our community on how to achieve great oral hygiene.  And I also love helping people to feel more comfortable and confident with their smiles.”

Nikki is a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associates in Applied Science-Dental Hygiene.She had Her extended trainings include:-Nitrous oxide sedation-OSHA-Soft Tissue Laser-Local Anesthesia

Ali has always had a passion for dentistry since she was little. She has had hands-on training and loves her job at Smalltown Dental! Ali lives in Peoria with her significant other and two kitties (aka her children). She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. In her free time, her favorite hobby is volleyball.

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Whitney is a dental assistant who graduated from Midwest Technical Institute in 2015 and is currently working on a bachelors degree in Computer Science. She enjoys helping others and caring for her patients. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, watching movies and listening to music.

Mica has been a certified dental assistant for 10+ years. She graduated from Midwest Technical Institute, and is certified in OSHA, nitrous oxide sedation, and CPR. Mica is dedicated to creating comfortable experiences for patients, bringing joy to their dental journeys. When not not working, her family loves spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, or just exploring nature's wonders. Sports also play a significant role in her life. She actively engages in her children’s school sports including volleyball, football, track, and soccer.

Cathy graduated from Illinois Central College in 1993 with a Certificate in Dental Assisting and has an Associate degree in Arts and Science. She has had continuing education in coronal polishing, sealant placement, and digital scanning and is CPR certified. Cathy enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them have great smiles. She enjoys traveling with her daughter Abby, doing CrossFit, and spending time with friends and family.

Julia graduated from MTI and has her certification in HIPPA , CPR , Infection control , Radiation Health and Safety control . She can’t wait to give patients fun  and comforting dental care! Julia lives in the country with her 2 dogs, Luna a Belgian Malinois, and Bruno, Pit-bull / Belgian Malinois. She enjoys spending her time outside with them or by the pool in the summer.

Rene is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and former Dental Hygienist. She attended Southern Illinois University and received an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. Post graduation, she lived and worked in Colorado and New York City. While in New York, Rene worked on a number of celebrity smiles and enjoyed the big city life. She has extended training in cosmetics, nitrous oxide, and expanded functions dentistry. Rene loves dentistry and loves creating trust with her patients and great dental experiences. In her spare time she loves to travel, listen to music, dance, go to the theater and spend time with family.

Josie graduated MTI in 2021 as a dental assistant who is certified in Radiology and Infection Control. She is also an ADAA member and is certified in CPR. Josie is driven to make sure her patients feel comfortable and safe inside the dental world. Outside of work, Josie enjoys hanging out with family and her cat, Pat!

Hannah completed her dental assistant certification at MTI in the fall of 2022. She is CPR certified. Before falling in love with dentistry, Hannah worked at her hometown’s daycare for over 3 years. She couldn’t be happier with the work she is doing now and it brings her daily joy knowing she is helping patients by bringing a smile back to their face. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys going on walks outdoors, Cardinal games and time with friends and family.

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Since 1994, Jenny has been delivering quality care to our patients. Jenny is an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant chairside, certified by the State of Illinois in recognition of her extended study and training in dental assisting. Introducing new patients to our practice and the commitment to excellence we maintain is part of Jenny’s expertise. Her extensive clinical training involves mastery of dental procedures, patient systems, and care from children’s dental hygiene to the full scope of adult restorative and cosmetic procedures. Our patients feel confident that they are in good hands with Jenny’s professional manner and care. A native of Bloomington/Normal, Jenny and her husband, Greg, who works at State Farm, have four children and three grandchildren with one more on the way!

Jade graduated from MTI as a dental assistant in 2022 certified in infection control, radiology, and CPR. Dreaming to work in the dental field, she left her 5 year position as a CNA to start fresh with Smalltown Dental. She cares about helping others any chance she gets and loves to help restore confidence in patients smiles!

Jade loves spending her free time with her husband Andy and their son Ryder camping, riding dirt-bikes and making memories with friends and family.

Rebecca has been a Dental Assistant for almost 7 years. She has 2 children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves cooking and shopping. What Rebecca loves most about the dental field is educating patients and taking care of them.

Caitlin completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute in 2020 and is CPR certified. What she loves most as a Dental Assistant is working alongside the doctors, as well as meeting and providing for the patients. In Caitlin’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her two goldendoodles: Cash and June. At the office, Caitlin enjoys connecting with the patients every day and making sure each one of them leaves with a smile on their face!

Cassie completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute and is certified in CPR. As a dental assistant, she works chairside with the doctors and provides great care for our patients. Cassie is married to her husband Ryan, and she has a dog, Ellie. In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects fixing up their home, spending time outdoors, reading, and of course shopping! Making patients feel confident, comfortable, and happy with their smile is always her goal.

Ashley (AJ) has been a dental assistant at Morton Dental Center since the summer of 2018. She is thankful to be able to work at an office that’s patient-centered and has a friendly team. Ashley is married to her husband Brett, and they have two daughters, Jovie and Jayda. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.

Valerie has been in the dental field for over 6 years. She worked mostly as an orthodontist assistant, where she found her passion was working with children. She has three kids herself - two boys and a girl! When she's not working at Smalltown Dental, her husband and 3 kids keep her pretty busy. She loves her job here at Smalltown and says the best part is meeting all the new faces and making them smile.

Amanda graduated from MTI in 2013 as a Certified Dental Assistant. She is grateful for being apart of such a caring and dedicated team. She enjoys doing her part in helping patients achieve their desired dental transformations. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family outdoors and going to sporting events.

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Deidra graduated from MTI as a dental assistant certified in radiology and infection control in 2019. She loves to get to know her patients and gives it her all to go above and beyond for each individual to ensure they have a wonderful visit and leave with a smile on their face. She loves to help restore confidence in a patients smile! Deidra enjoys spending her time outside of the office with her family and friends. She enjoys hiking, going to concerts and traveling. She has 2 wild boys, Gavin and Wyatt who keep her busy and a Great Pyrenees, Charley Shea. She loves the outdoors and spontaneous adventures.

Melissa has returned to the dental field after a 20 year break. She has enjoyed the transition to being a chair side assistant and loves learning new things. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know the patients and share stories with them. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, they have 3 wonderful kids and 2 amazing grandchildren with a third on the way. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, cooking, entertaining, and anything Pioneer Woman. She also helps her husband on their farm where there is never a dull moment! Ask her about her peacock stories sometime.

Lexi is a Dental Assistant who is driven and passionate. She loves being able to help the doctors and meet new people through this profession. She also loves being a mom! She has a daughter, Emersyn, and a son, Zeke. They keep her busy outside of work where they enjoy spending time in nature swimming, hiking or camping. Lexi also loves to cook and read!

Amber has been a certified dental assistant for the past 10 years. She graduated from MTI and spent most of her years assisting in oral surgery. She has many certifications including: DANB Radiation Health and Safety, DANB Infection Control, CPR, First Aid, ADAA member, Anesthesia Sedation and Monitoring, Nitrous Oxide Analgesia: Administering and Monitoring. In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two fur babies! During all seasons, she keeps busy with her oldest daughter playing travel soccer. In the summer, you can most definitely find her poolside with her kiddos!

Alaina went to MTI in East Peoria. She completed her externship in November 2021 at Smalltown Dental Kids and now works there as a Dental Assistant. Alaina loves working with kids and being able to make them feel as comfortable as possible. She is CPR certified. Prior to MTI, Alaina attended Washington Community High School and was on the Dance Team.

Kalli completed her dental assistant training at Illinois Valley Community College and is certified in CPR.As a dental assistant, she works chair side with the doctors and provides great care for our patients. Her certifications and training include:-Certified in Sealants and Coronal Polishing-Scanning for In house CrownsKalli enjoys the outdoors, cooking and baking, traveling as often as she can, and spending time with family and friends.  What she loves about dentistry is meeting all of the new people every day and putting smiles on their faces!

Madeline has been a dental assistant since 2015 when she graduated from Midwest Technical Institute in East Peoria, IL. Madeline’s expanded functions include CPR certification, coronal polishing certification, sealant certification, and PRP certification. In her spare time, Madeline enjoys spending as much time as possible with her daughter, whether it be fun adventures around town or just cuddling up watching a movie at home. - Smalltown Dental

Jenny provides over 40 years of professional dental experience and personal life skills. Much like the spirit of Smalltown dental, Jenny has provided a sense of community with patients over the years. As she’s transitioned throughout her career, her community of patients has followed. When she’s not assisting doctors, she enjoys hunting, raising whitetail deer, water sports, working on their veneer tree farm, and enjoys various timber projects on her family’s timber acreages.

Lynn is the first person you may see when coming into the Tremont, IL office. Born and raised in San Jose, Lynn went to Robert Morris College in Carthage, IL graduating in 1984. She has one son, Austin, who graduated from the University of Illinois in 2015. She has a Doberman Pinscher named Hazel that is spoiled rotten. In her free time, Lynn enjoys riding her motorcycle and traveling. Two of her favorite travel destinations include New Orleans and visiting her best friend in Florida.

Kia has been a dental assistant since graduating MTI in 2013. She has had additional training in placing sealants and has CPR certification. She lives in East Peoria with her significant other, Lamont and her German Shepherd, Luna. Kia enjoys running 5K’s with Luna and fashion and beauty. “I enjoy helping patients become healthier and restore confidence through their smile.”