As a seasoned registered dental hygienist, speaker, writer, blogger, content creator, and podcaster, I’ve always believed in the power of hope, resilience, and transformation. This year, I took a leap of faith, leaving behind familiar comforts and embarking on a humanitarian journey in Germany to serve Afghan refugees on a government contract. My work is focused on health, hygiene, and making a lasting impact, and it aligns with my mission to help others discover hope in all areas of life.
Through this journey, I have led an oral health initiative, integrating dental and medical care with public health, behavioral health, women’s health, and pediatric services to ensure a holistic approach for refugees. My role as the head dental hygienist is much more than a job title—it’s an opportunity to meet people where they are, provide necessary care, and extend a compassionate hand.
My passion is to dissolve fears around dental treatment and support both patients and professionals of all cultures, bring inclusion and diversity, humanize and provide understandings for professionals and patients. Through a Facebook page I created, I am dedicated to allowing a space to address these fears openly for both. By bridging health services and focusing on each individual’s story, I strive to bring peace of mind and health back to those who need it most.
As host of the Gums & Gossip Podcast and owner of Gums & Gossip LLC, I’m dedicated to storytelling. My podcast allows me to dive into conversations with guests about relationships and diverse hot topics as well as exploring dental fears, hope, and the ways we can overcome obstacles in life. I draw from my own life experiences, including my time as a single mom, and the courage I’ve had to muster in embarking on my solo travels. These journeys, often challenging but always rewarding, give me perspective and deepen my compassion for others on similar paths.
I channel these experiences into my writing and blogging, sharing stories from my travels, reflections on self-discovery, and insights gained from connecting with diverse cultures and communities. My journey has taught me that we’re all capable of overcoming fears, embracing new experiences, and living life fully.
I’ve faced numerous fears to be where I am today and continue to learn from each experience. I believe Hands to Hearts would be the perfect avenue to amplify my voice and share my message of resilience, hope, and health with an even wider audience. I’m eager to contribute my diverse background, passion for service, and dedication to public health to this impactful platform, where we can work together to create positive change for individuals and communities alike. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to bring hope and health to more hearts through this meaningful mission.