Meet Our Team

Dr. Styrt’s team is one of the best in California! We have over 150 years of combined dental and orthodontic experience and training. Please read on to see how each one of our team members is here to serve the needs of our patients:

“They always help you. They never give up helping you.” Savannah, age 12 years

The Full Team
Administrative Team
Clinical Team

	Karie, Clinical Specialist/RDA Karie is originally from Portland, Oregon where she began her career in the dental field in 1996. She excels in all facets of clinical orthodontics and enjoys working with children and adults alike, helping to create beautiful smiles! “The best part of my job is watching children’s self esteem improve with their beautiful smiles.” Karie and her husband Jason, love spending time with their daughter, Tatianna at San Diego’s beautiful beaches. In her spare time, Karie enjoys reading and scrapbooking.
	Kira, Clinical Specialist/RDA Kira completed her associate degree and certification for Dental Assisting in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1998. She moved to San Diego in September, 2003 where she completed the California program for Registered Dental Assistants. Kira utilizes her experience as a clinical assistant, imaging technician and new patient coordinator to provide thorough care to the patients she sees. “I am passionate about the role that orthodontics can play in the development of a person’s self-esteem and growth. Dr. Styrt and everyone on our team enjoys making a positive impact and building one-on-one relationships with our patients and their family members.” Kira was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She enjoys playing and watching most sports, taking walks, watching movies, cooking with friends ,and spending time with her pets.
	Ellen, Insurance Specialist and Pediatric Dental Treatment Coordinator Ellen, a California native, has been in the dental field since 1987 and with Dr. Styrt since 1992. She has worked with multiple specialties and has a strong knowledge of all aspects of dentistry. Ellen works closely with our pediatric dentist coordinating the treatment and finances for all of our pediatric dental patients. Ellen is dedicated to helping all of our patients receive the maximum benefit from their insurance companies. “I am so very proud and honored to work with such an incredible team. What we do here is just awesome! It is so rewarding to be a part of making a difference in the lives of our patients and families.” Ellen and her husband Tom are kept very busy with their three boys Brandon, Jeremy, and Zachary. She enjoys the outdoors, music, swimming and spending time with her family.
	Trisha W., Insurance Coordinator Trisha is originally from Lafayette, Indiana and relocated to California in September 2006. Trisha works closely with Ellen to ensure that the insurance billing process works efficiently. “Before coming to work with Dr. Styrt and his team I knew very little about orthodontics. Now I feel like I have learned so much about orthodontics and pediatric dentistry and I continue to learn something new everyday! I love watching as our patients learn and understand the process and see their beautiful new smiles!” Trisha and her fiancé, Jamie, are busy with wedding plans. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, traveling and working with animals.
	Patty, Clinical Specialist/RDA Patty is a San Diego native. She is an orthodontic clinical specialist and has been in the dental and orthodontic field as a Registered Dental Assistant since 1987. Patty provides quality care to each and every patient and believes that patience and caring goes a long way in keeping our patients happy. Patty has worked in many areas of dentistry over the years, but her experience on Dr. Styrt’s team definitely surpasses any other. “I love how a beautiful smile can make a difference in the confidence of a child. My own two children have gone through treatment with Dr. Styrt and now they both have beautiful healthy smiles!” Patty along with her husband, Jose and their children are a military family and have had the opportunity to live in Seattle and Ohio, but they love being home in San Diego. Patty enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, reading and walking her two dogs.
	Vicki, Office Manager Vicki is originally from Asheville, NC and has been working in senior management here in San Diego since 1989. As our office manager, Vicki is committed to making sure that our patients are happy and well taken care of, from the very first phone call through every step of their treatment. In addition to caring for our patients, Vicki also organizes our entire team, from logistics to HR. “Dr. Styrt and our team make coming to work a joy instead of a job! Our patients are wonderful and it’s like being around family all the time! Watching our patients progress through their treatment, with Dr. Styrt’s excellent care, is amazing and very satisfying.” In her spare time Vicki likes to help Don, her husband, landscape their back yard and she also loves doing any kind of crafts.
	Alexandria, Clinical Specialist I have been in the dental field since 2005; I completed my training to become a dental assistant at the Western School of Health and Business and completed my internship at the University of Pittsburgh where I then worked for 1 year. I realized how much I missed my family and friends and the beautiful California climate so I returned to my home town. I feel very lucky to be a part of the Styrt team and am happy to work along side Dr. Job with our pediatric patients... I am currently working on obtaining my registered dental assistant License. I really enjoy coming to work to help create special experiences for our young patients "Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment". In my spare time I enjoy being with my sisters and family... I like to spend as much time as I can at the beach.
	Kelly, Clinical Supervisor/RDA Kelly, a native San Diegan, started her orthodontic career in 1986 and since 1990 she has worked alongside Dr. Styrt to provide quality care to each of our patients. Kelly coordinates all aspects of our clinical team. She likes to make patients feel as comfortable as possible and is wonderful at making kids feel special by taking an interest in their lives and activities. “The best thing about orthodontics is creating great smiles that last a lifetime. I love getting to know the patients on a personal level and being able to talk with them at their appointment about their lives. Dr. Styrt is an amazing orthodontist and I am so blessed to have worked with him since June of 1990.” Kelly is also a faithful San Diego Padres fan! If she is not taking in a baseball game, she is spending time with family and friends.
	Josephine, Clinical Specialist / RDA Josephine, who is originally from Alberta, Canada earned her Dental Assisting Certification at N.A.I.T. in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada . She also completed the Orthodontic Module, Theory & Clinical at the University of Alberta. She worked with an Orthodontist in Edmonton for 12 years until his retirement. Josephine then moved to Seattle, Washington and worked in the Orthodontic field for 10 years. After moving to San Diego, Josephine received her Coronal Polishing & X Ray certification to complete her California RDA license. “I feel honored to work with Dr. Styrt and our great team. It is most rewarding to see the transformation of smiles & self esteem in our patients. ” Some of Josephine's personal interests include traveling, dancing, volunteering, and walking on the beach with her two adorable dogs, Brantley, her Toy Poodle and Tanner , her little Yorkie.