Registered Dental Hygenist

Jill

Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Alberta, 1997

1. Diploma in dental hygiene from U of A 1997. (I did the local anesthetic module later, since it wasn’t included in the program back in the olden days. And I took extra training to get certifications in both laser hygiene therapy and nitrous oxide while in the States. But I don’t know if it’s worth putting those down since I don’t use it at Apollonia.)I moved to Portland, Oregon in 2000. I worked as a hygienist in Oregon for 11 years before moving back to Edmonton in 2011. (I have dual citizenship.)
2.  In Grade 11 CALM class, I was required to research and do a job shadow of a career. I chose dental hygiene. I was hooked! I loved the idea of getting to work in a healthcare field that allowed for good home-work balance.
   I’m so grateful to be married to an amazing man and we get to raise 3 kids together.
   My faith is a big part of my life, so I spend a lot of time with my church community (connecting, serving, studying, missions, and having fun together).
3. I started working at Apollonia in December 2012. I AM NEVER LEAVING!!!
   I appreciate that we are expected to work hard for our patients, but we have a lot of fun doing it and are always shown appreciation by our amazing boss. We also get to use state-of-the-art equipment and have comfortable surroundings to work in. I love the thoroughness (is that a word?!) of the treatment we provide, the culture of the office, and the relationship we have with our patients. We have such a variety of clientele that keep the job interesting – so many ages, ethnicities, and experiences to learn from!
   My favourite office activities are getting to travel together…for a conference or course, or just to enjoy each other outside of work. I also loved the Edmonton Food Tour we did to celebrate our office 10 year anniversary!
4. Favourite activities: leisurely bike rides in the Millcreek ravine and laughing until my stomach hurts. I spend a week in Radium Hot Springs every summer and I love it – those mountains and that valley are SO beautiful. Favourite movies: A Quiet Place, Dan in Real Life, What’s Up Doc. Favourite hike I’ve done: Caminito del Rey, Spain. Favourite book: The Bible. Favourite food: French fries. Can’t live without winter comfort items: Indigo reading socks, a roaring fire in the fireplace, the heated seats in my vehicle. Weird thing I like that no one else likes: filling out forms.

Rebecca

Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Alberta, 2012

1. Rebecca has been with Apollonia since she graduated hygiene in 2012 from the University of Alberta. She also used to work at the University of Alberta Dental Hygiene program as a Clinical Assistant Instructor and was the President of the Dental Hygiene Alumni Chapter for many years.
2. Her favourite thing about working for Apollonia all these years? “I love the environment and how everyone gets along. My favourite thing about work is laughing and sharing stories with my patients and co-workers!”
3. On her time off Rebecca loves baking, trying out new restaurants in Edmonton, and travelling the world! Her favourite places to travel to are Japan and Singapore for the amazing food!
4. Fun fact: On her bucket list is to one day experience what it’s like to fly business class.

Shannon

Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Alberta, 1990

1. Graduated from U of A 1990. Have worked in Leduc, Red Deer and Edmonton.
2. Always enjoyed going to the dentist/orthodontist and my uncle was a dentist that made me think about dental field.
   Have 4 kids that are involved in various activities. Volunteer with their activities.
   Enjoy being with family and friends, camping, hiking, reading and going to movies.
3. Started working at the office April 2019. I like that staff is very supportive of each other and a progressive office; always learning.
   Enjoyed volunteering at the food bank and going on the Vegas trip.
4. Not a coffee drinker; tea or hot chocolate instead.
   Like watching documentaries and listening to true crime podcasts
   Have tried many activities over the years such as karate, fencing, belly dancing.( Most of these were a looooong time ago)

Venus

Degree in Dental Hygiene, University of Alberta, 2020

1. University of Alberta, BSc Specializing in Dental Hygiene, Class of 2020
   
2. Always been attracted to the dental field since I was little. Wanted to be a dentist at one point. I decided to pursue dental hygiene first and felt that it was a better fit for me.Grew up in Brooks, AB with my parents and older sister. Moved here by myself for education and stayed after graduating.
3. Started July 2021. Everyone gets along well and we’ll all help each other out when we can. There’s lots of laughter too!
4. Dream job when I was a kid: event/wedding planner
   Greatest fear: spiders
   Fave TV show: Friends

Aqdus

Degree in Dental Hygiene, University of Alberta, 2025

Bio coming soon!

Registered Dental Assistant

Melissa

Certificate in Dental Assisting, KDM Dental College, 2013

1. I graduated from KDM Dental College in 2013. I did receive the College of Alberta Dental Assistant Student Award (I think that’s what it was called hahah I can double check the certificate if you end up using this info) *Not sure if having my orthodontic module certification counts. Like the other assistants I’ve done continuing education in dental sleep medicine, implants, social media, etc.
2. In the past, I have volunteered for the Lupus Society of Alberta’s Lupus Walk, Edmonton Food Bank and Tennisfest
   Hobbies: I enjoy doing arts and crafts. If I can DIY it I will
3. I actually started off doing my practicum at Apollonia in 2013 and the rest is history…
   What I really enjoy about our clinic is how well we genuinely get along and work well together as a team. The staff doesn’t have a high turnover and has only grown over the years which has made us more like a family. There isn’t a day you wouldn’t hear laughing around the office. We all truly care about our patients and providing them with the best dental experience possible.
   My favourite and probably most memorable activities as an office are our trips together. We’ve travelled near and far from Banff to Vegas, It’s always a fun time team bonding outside the office.
4. Celebrity sighting – I was on a grade 12 trip to NYC. We had some free time so my best friend and I went to Century 21 which is a department store. We kept overhearing Leonardo Dicaprio was in the building so we searched for him and found him shopping for towels. We were too scared to approach him because he was with his bodyguard but to this day we regret not just going for it and asking or saying hi.
   Funny nickname: Messi or Mess (I have no idea why hahah maybe because I was a messy child but it was a fancy way of spelling it hahah)
   Something you collect: Not sure how to categorize this.. maybe collecting memories? haha. I’m a sentimental person so I’ll keep tickets from events, shows, trips, movies, activities, etc. I’ve also kept and collected cards from friends and family over the years from birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Languages: Tagalog (fluent)

Michelle

Certificate in Dental Assisting, Columbia College (Calgary), 2008

1. Graduated from the dental assisting program at Columbia College, Calgary in 2008.
   Received my certification for the orthodontic module from U of A in 2016
   Various ortho training courses over the years with Dr. Lee
   AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine) team training
2. Volunteered at the Edmonton Food bank with the office
   Volunteered at Augtober Fest 2023 in Stony Plain which benefitted a local animal rescue
   Helped with Tennis fest 2023 and 2024 sponsored by Apollonia Dental Clinic.
   
3. I’ve been at the clinic since 2009 when it opened.
   One of my most favorite team activities was when we volunteered at the food bank. Going to Vegas in 2023 was a memorable trip with the team as well.
   What makes our office unique is that laughter is heard everywhere. Our team likes to have to fun. You hear it all the time throughout the clinic. We have a large enjoyable group with many years of service combined.
   Incorporating dental sleep medicine into our practice also sets us apart.  the sleep screening in our exams has proven to be beneficial for patients. We provide many tools and resources  to ensure patients are healthy, sleeping well, and breathing well.
4. Fun facts: My iPod is full of a variety of music.. from country to alternative to pop and 80s and 90s 2000s and hip hop. My favorite bands are Arkells and The Glorious Sons. I met country singer Brett Kissel in Jasper a few years ago.
   My dream job would be to have an animal rescue.
   The funniest  job I’ve had was driving the beer cart for Mighty Peace Golf course in Peace River. The beer cart was a John Deer atv modified to resemble a foot and drink cart. The funniest thing about it is it would backfire when I came to a stop. Imagine putting for par and the beer cart comes upon you and there’s a loud bang as you go to sink that put. Hilarious

Vanessa

Diploma in Dental Assisting, NAIT, 2018

1. NAIT Dental Assisting Technology 2018
2. I decided to work in the dental field, because I had a really good experience when I was younger when I had braces and the dental assistants that worked on me were always so nice. I felt so much more confident with a nicer smile, that I wanted to also help others achieve that too! Hobbies: I like to read, spend time with family and try different food places around Edmonton!
3. Started working at Apollonia in July 2019. I like that the clinic is close to home and that we all enjoy food.My most memorable activity is going to Vegas together, it was a really good team bonding experience ❤️
4. Favourite travel location: Maui
   Favourite meal: Sushi
   Bucket list: Go to a hot air balloon festival in Turkey

Taryna

Certificate in Dental Assisting, CDI College (Burnaby BC), 2006

1. I did my Dental Assisting program in Vancouver and graduated when I was 19 in 2006. I worked in Vancouver for 5 years and then moved to Edmonton in 2012. I have been employed at Apollonia Dental Clinic for over 10 years and took two maternity leaves within those 10 years. When I came back from my last leave I took the Dental Assisting Refresher Course at NAIT in 2022. I’ve taken many CE courses but one of my favorites was an Implant course. I really enjoy assisting for wisdom teeth extractions and implant placements.
2. I volunteer at Meadowland Baptist Church teaching a children’s program on Wednesday evenings from Sept-May. I have done volunteer dental presentations at a few local kindergarten/preschool classes.
   I’m married with 3 kids, a dog, cat, bunnies and chickens.
   I love the outdoors, gardening, hiking, camping, boating, and biking.
   
3. I started working at Apollonia in 2013
   I love working there because of the positive atmosphere all of the staff create. Everyone works so hard as a team and there is never a day that goes by without a good laugh.
4. Fun facts:
   I used to be obsessed with 50 cent when I was a teen
   I’ve NEVER been to a concert before so it is definitely on my bucket list !
   I love a good game and may be a bit competitive  

Charlene

Bio coming soon!

Support Staff

Kim

1. I attended KDM Dental College in 2003.
2. I have 2 daughters that play hockey so I spend most of my free time at the rink. I also love running and play volleyball and baseball
3. I started working at Apollonia in 2014. I love how close the staff is at our clinic. We are lucky enough to do so much together outside of the office. It’s hard to choose a favorite but I think it would be our trip to Vegas.
4. I like to crochet in my free time.
   I grew up in a very small town of less than 1000 people. My dad was a grain farmer.

   I prefer winter running over summer running

Jen

1. High School Graduate and varsity basketball player
2. Got into dental in a pretty lucky way. I was working in a cafe downtown and it was next to a dental office. Over the time that I worked there, I got to know the dentists and staff. Dr. Coulombe offered me a job one day at his front desk and the rest is history.
3. I started working here in August 2017. Vegas trip is the obvious answer for best group activity.
4. Fun Facts: I like to work in my yard, travel to Hawaii, and eat a good steak.

Sherilyn

1. Finished Architectural Technology at NAIT and I am a Red Seal licensed hairstylist
2. I have family in the dental field and enjoy getting to know new people from being a hairstylist.  I have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and enjoy building things with my hands.
   
3. Started in April and enjoy the atmosphere and coworkers. Everyone in the office cares for one another and are very collaborative.
   
4. I like camping, and traveling and have been zip lining. On my bucket list to skydive and bungee jump

Raquel

Bio coming soon!