Team Members

Ashley, Dental Hygienist

Ashley joined Gateway Dental Group in 2010. She earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Des Moines Area Community College. Ashley also has a permit in Local Anesthesia. She has an outgoing personality and loves getting to know her patients and their families. Her patients appreciate how much she cares about their health.

Outside the office, Ashley enjoys camping and crafting. She and her husband stay plenty busy with their twin daughters and younger son.

Iris, Dental Hygienist

Iris joined our practice in 2007. She briefly lived in South Carolina, where she earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Following graduation, she and her husband moved back to Des Moines and she soon began working at Gateway Dental Group. Iris has also earned her permit in Local Anesthesia. She has terrific rapport with her patients, makes them feel comfortable and is excellent at earning their trust.

When she is not at work, Iris enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys. She enjoys a good book and frequently volunteers at her boys’ school.

Karen, Administrative Assistant

Karen joined our practice in 1995. With over 20 years of experience estimating dental benefits and filing dental insurance claims, she has become an invaluable resource to our patients. Karen assists in making financial arrangements so that dental care can fit into many different budgets. She takes pride in knowing all of our patients, and is the first friendly smile that greets our guests.

Karen is married and has two adult daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, bicycling, watching movies, and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Kati, Dental Hygienist

After graduating from the Des Moines Area Community College in 2020, Kati joined our team in 2021. She’s earned special certifications in local anesthesia, and is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association. Kati enjoys helping patients improve their health, and when not in the office, likes reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Kristen, Receptionist

Kristen is a graduate of Urbandale High School (class of ’09) and joined our team in 2019. Kristen loves the chance to interact with and learn more about our patients, getting to know them on a personal level. She also looks forward to working with our wonderful team members. Kristen’s hobbies include concerts, playing and watching sports, camping, visiting breweries and wineries, bike riding, and rollerblading.

Favorite Quote: “Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.”

Krystal, Dental Hygienist

After graduating from Des Moines Area Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene in 2003, Krystal joined our team in 2019. She enjoys being able to work with people of all ages, from 3 to 100, and learning about each person’s individual life experience. Krystal looks forward to helping her patients appreciate how a clean mouth feels and understand how oral health impacts overall wellness. When not in the office, she volunteers her time with Rally 4 Ross (#rally4ross) and supports Children’s Cancer Connection. Her hobbies include cycling, reading, yoga, hiking (preferably in Colorado), spending time with friends and family, and supporting her children’s activities.

Favorite Quote: “Don’t believe everything you think.”

Mallorie, Dental Assistant

Mallorie joined our practice in 2014 and has been a dental assistant since 2008. She is a graduate of Kirkwood Community College and is certified with the Dental Assisting National Board. Mallorie has fulfilled the requirements for Level 1 Expanded Functions with the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. Her favorite part of her job is helping give patients a smile they can be proud of.

Spending time with family and friends is near and dear to Mallorie. She and her husband enjoy traveling with their daughter to see loved ones. Mallorie has given back to her community through volunteer opportunities at the Iowa Mission of Mercy, Meals from the Heartland, and the Youth Emergency Services and Shelter.

Martha, Dental Assistant

Martha earned her Associate Degree from Vatterott College in 2008. She joined our team in 2019. She loves the opportunity to help society by improving oral health, and getting to know her patients and their stories. When not in the office, she volunteers at her daughter’s school library. Her hobbies include watching movies, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and visiting her home country of Kenya.

Favorite Quote: “Treat others as you would want them to treat you; what goes around comes around.”

Megan, Office Manager

Megan graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in 1993. She joined our team in 2019 and feels extremely fortunate to be surrounded by caring, fun, and outstanding team members. Megan looks forward to building relationships with our patients. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband and three children, running with her dog, cooking, doing puzzles, and volunteering with her church or her daughter’s school.

Favorite Quote: “Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.”