Meet the Team

Carmen Bollinger

FAADOM, Practice Manager

I have been a member of our exceptional team since 2001. I came to the practice with over 6 years of business management experience. While growing up in Lansing I attended Lansing Catholic Central and went on to pursue a nursing/business degree from Lansing Community College. I recently graduated as a Fellow of the American Association of Dental Office Management.

As the Practice Manager, I am pleased to welcome you to our office! It is my absolute honor to work with such an outstanding team of dental professionals! I am passionate about dentistry and the relationship between oral health and general health and wellness.

As a new patient, we will meet with you to review your dental health, risk factors, and present your treatment needs and recommendations. Together, we will discuss financial options and find arrangements that you are comfortable with. It is my goal to ensure we help each patient get the dental treatment they need and desire – improving their life, condition, and overall health.

I am married to my loving husband, Brad. We have a daughter, Alexis, 2 step-sons, David and Joel, and our cat, Tiger. We are enjoying our empty-nester phase of life!  We are active in our church, St. John Vianney.  In our free time, we enjoy spending time with family, our close community of friends, entertaining, cooking, and traveling.

Sara Houston

CDA, Assistant Practice Manager

I joined the Bander Dental Group team as an assistant in July 2009. I graduated with a degree in dental assisting from the Grand Rapids Educational Center in 1998 and have been in the dental field ever since. Thereafter, I continued my schooling to become a Certified Dental Assistant and X-ray Technician.

Throughout my years of working in the field, I have enjoyed getting to know many great patients. It is my goal to educate people of the importance of dental health and how it directly affects their overall health. I want to share the many treatment options available; giving them the ability to smile with confidence.

My husband and I have been married since 2003 and have a son. I enjoy spending time with family, hunting, going to the beach and reading.

Amanda Werbeskas

CDA, Lead Assistant

I joined the caring Bander Dental Group team in the fall of 2005. I graduated from Olympia Career Institute of Grand Rapids with a degree in Dental Assisting. I am passionate about dentistry and work hard to ensure each patient receives the highest quality care in a comfortable environment. I enjoy working with patients; helping them get the dental care that they need.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Jason. We have 2 beautiful boys, Charlie and Brady, and a family dog, Opie. In my spare time, I enjoy working outside in the yard and spending the weekends up at our small cottage on Big Star Lake!

Lisa Kross

Billing and Insurance Specialist

I graduated from Ferris State University with my Bachelor’s degree in healthcare systems administration in 2012. I joined Bander Dental Group in August 2020 with over 6 years of experience in medical billing. I have always been interested in the dental field and look forward to helping patients with their dental benefits and insurance questions.

I live in Hudsonville with my husband and two children, Emma and Grayson. In my free time I enjoy camping, kayaking, bike riding, and spending time with my family and friends.

Abraham Hailom

Scheduling Coordinator

I joined the extraordinary Bander Dental Group team in 2020 with 2 years of dental experience. I am continually amazed and thankful to have found such a wonderful and caring team to work with. I truly believe everyone here is not only phenomenal in what they do but also that they genuinely care about making patients feel comfortable and welcomed.

I grew up in the Grand Rapids area then moved to Florida in 2012, and came back in the spring of 2019. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family who lives here in the West Michigan area and trying all the dining West Michigan has to offer.

Lindsay Preston

Scheduling Coordinator

I graduated from GVSU in 2015 with my Bachelor’s degree in clinical exercise science. I then went on to study at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a certified holistic health coach and nutritionist. Health is my true passion, and I have always enjoyed helping people become the healthiest version of themselves. I joined this amazing team in the spring of 2020 and am honored to be a part of it.

In my spare time I enjoy running, biking, working out, cooking gluten-free foods, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I am married to my husband, Luke, and together we have a Quaker parrot named Tito.

Beata Quizena

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I have been a part of the Bander Dental Group team since 1995 and have seen a constant evolution in our practice. I am proud to be part of this state-of-the-art dental facility. Our family can’t wait to pamper your family the moment you enter our spa atmosphere.

I am a Grand Rapids Community College graduate with over 20 years of experience. My loving husband and daughters, along with the rest of my family, are who I love to surround myself with when I’m away from my friends at work. Gardening is my rest and relaxation.

Jacki Slomp

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I am originally from New Jersey. I moved to Michigan to go to Calvin College. I went there for one year and then went to GRCC, where I graduated as a dental hygienist in 1997. I have been practicing dentistry in our area for over 23 years, and I’ve been with the Bander Dental Group team for over 16 years!

I enjoy treating my patients the way I would want to be treated. I have developed many innovative techniques that make the appointments easier, and I strive to put nervous people at ease. I enjoy the technology and safety measures that our practice has provided, and I value our team as family.

I have two beautiful daughters. Tori is in college and Averi is at Forest Hills Central High School.

Nicole Kane

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I’ve been practicing dental hygiene since 2009 and was blessed to join this wonderful team in 2016. I enjoy working with very passionate and caring individuals.

I believe every patient deserves the best, and I strive to provide that for them in the most comfortable environment possible. Developing honest and trusting relationships with my patients is what I enjoy most about my profession!

My husband’s name is Patrick, and together we have two wonderful children and a French bulldog named Rowlf. I also enjoy gardening, family bike rides, and spending time at the lake.

Rachael Robertson

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I graduated from Ferris State University in 2015 and have a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. I started working at Bander Dental Group at the beginning of 2020, and I’m thrilled to be part of such an exceptional team. My goal is to provide the highest quality of care while making patients feel comfortable and helping them enjoy their experience.

Outside of the dental office, my husband Matthew and I have two cats, Josie and Penelope, that are our fur babies. I enjoy staying active in my spare time with ice hockey, broomball, tennis, and yoga. I also love to travel and explore new places.

Elyssa Host

RDH, Dental Hygienist

Bio coming soon!

Jen Phillips

Dental Assistant

I graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 1996. Ever since I can remember, I have noticed people’s smile. Because of this, the dental field seemed a perfect fit…and it is! I have been a member of the Bander Dental Group team since 1999. I love helping people achieve a smile they are proud of, and learning new techniques and services to enhance good oral health.

In my free time, I enjoy yoga, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Jordann Wetters

Dental Assistant

I joined the Bander Dental Group team in the spring of 2020. I’m so thankful to be a part of such a caring dental team. I have been in the dental field since 2018 and I love it. I enjoy getting to know the patients and helping them get the dental care they deserve!

I am married to my husband, Josh. We have one dog, named Willow. In my spare time I enjoy lots of camping trips, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Kendra Beutler

Dental Assistant

I joined the inspiring Bander Dental Group team in 2020, after practicing for 6 years. I graduated from Ross Medical dental assistant school in 2014 and my love for dentistry has continued to rapidly grow. I am currently enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College in the dental hygiene program to continue advancing my career in the dental industry.

I find joy in working with my patients to help them become knowledgeable on the importance of oral healthcare and its impact on overall body health. It’s my goal to ensure every patient feels welcomed and comfortable in our practice’s spa-like atmosphere. In my free time I enjoy fishing, hunting, bowling, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Victoria Ortega

Dental Assistant

I was beyond blessed to join the Bander Dental Group team in the summer of 2020. I graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 2014 with an associate’s degree in science. I then decided to further my schooling in the dental field and graduated from Ross Medical in 2015 with a degree in dental assisting.

The best part of dentistry is enhancing the health of patients while creating smiles that boost confidence and self-esteem. I like knowing that patients who have fear of coming to the dentist have the confidence and trust in us to put them at ease.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am married to my wonderful husband with two amazing daughters.

Kennedy Noel

Dental Assistant

I graduated magna cum laude from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. I’ve always felt a pull toward dentistry and have a lot of family in the fields of dentistry and orthodontics. I joined the Bander Dental Group practice in 2020 and love being part of a team that is focused on creating an exceptional patient experience.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am an animal lover and have a chihuahua named Myla. Some of my hobbies include painting, playing tennis, and reading. I love to learn new things and am excited to further my knowledge and skills in dentistry.