How did you find your purpose?
In the 8th grade, I had an amazing science teacher who spent extra time in class discussing career options and how everyone should do the most with their life including helping people in some way. At that time, I decided I would go into the health sciences with the possibility of becoming a physician, veterinarian or dentist. I continued on thru school focusing on science and while in college at Gonzaga University in Spokane WA narrowed in on dentistry. My brother was having orthodontics and I had the opportunity to talk to his orthodontist. This dentist told me of the many advantages of dentistry over medicine and my path was finalized. I worked in a dental lab during my summers off in college and upon graduation (graduating summa cum laude) went to dental school in Ohio – Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio (placing in the top 10 in my class of 102 students). I then did a residency (GPR – general practice residency) in Cleveland before returning to my beloved Pacific Northwest. I looked for practice opportunities and found a great practice to purchase right in my hometown of Spokane. It is interesting to note that the practice I purchased was the 1st practice owned by a male dentist to be sold to a female dentist in town! I practiced for 35 years and believe my greatest achievement was changing peoples opinions about going to the dentist. My team and I made each patient’s appointment an ‘experience’ and worked hard at making it a fun appointment where they were not anticipating pain or dreading the appointment. I also focused in on cosmetic dentistry which combined my love of science with my love of art. Smile redesigns were one of my passions.
How Palouse Ridge Events was started
Retiring 5 years ago from a successful dental practice, I enjoyed spending time on our 10 acres working on landscape design and using my art background on the property. This has now evolved into creating an event venue as a request of people driving by our property. My venue is called Palouse Ridge Events, LLC and since we opened on May 1st, 2023 we have hosted weddings, photo shoots, meetings, rehearsal dinners and family gatherings. My goal for 2025 is to double our business utilizing social media and become more well known in the region. My website is stunning and frequently updated highlighting our 5-star reviews.
The most important qualities for success?
I’d say having a commitment to higher education is important as it was a long journey! 9 years of higher ed (4 years of undergrad, 4 years of dental school and 1 year residency) and being willing to put your life on hold for an important goal. My friends were all out of school, buying houses, having kids and so on while I was in school still taking tests and developing my skills with patients knowing it would all be worthwhile in the end. My parents were both teachers – my Mom was a teacher at Gonzaga University and had a Masters Degree as well as a PhD. My Dad was an Earth Science teacher with 2 Masters degrees so I guess the higher ed path was in my culture. I was very lucky having the parents I had who completely supported my goals!!
