Meet the Team

Carmen Bollinger

FAADOM, Practice Administrator

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 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 2 cats, Cannoli and Tiramisu. 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!

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.

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.

Bailey Goodgame

Scheduling Coordinator

I was born and raised in Texas, and moved to Michigan in late 2020. I’ve been in the medical / dental field for 4 years. Fitness and health is my true passion and I enjoy working out almost everyday. The health aspect of dentistry excites me in addition to the cosmetic side. I love being able to help others achieve their goals. I now have the joy of calling Bander Dental Group my home. I’ve never been a part of a team who is as welcoming, inclusive, informative, and so much fun!

My boyfriend, Ben, and I like to spend our time on the lake or at the petting zoo with family. We also have two dogs, Sif and Willow.

Lindsay Preston

Scheduling Coordinator

I joined this amazing team in the spring of 2020 and am honored to be a part of it. I graduated from Grand Valley State University 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.

Outside of the office I enjoy spending time with my husband, Luke, and our daughter, Sophie Jo. We like to stay active outdoors by going on walks, golfing, and swimming.

Rachael Robertson

RDH, Lead 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.

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.

Rebekah Sullivan

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I have been a member of the Bander Dental Group since summer of 2021 and a registered dental hygienist since 2018 after graduating from Ferris State University. I grew up in Comstock Park and now live in Walker.

I became a dental hygienist to improve my patients overall health through the care and prevention of disease in the mouth. I strive to provide my patients thorough care and a comfortable experience in one.

Outside of dentistry, my passion is volunteering at a local cat shelter where I got my own little guys. While cat rescue has been my main focus the past year, I have a strong love for all animals. Tell me all about your pets at your dental cleaning!

Amy Rosendall

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I am very honored to have joined Bander Dental Group, February of 2023 as a registered Dental Hygienist. Here, I get to work with a very talented team. I bring with me 19 years of Dental Hygiene experience. I graduated from Ferris State University in 2004 with an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. I am also a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition-New York. My passion is educating patients on the oral systemic connection and teaching them to not only improve their oral health but also their overall health. Throughout my career, I have been blessed to have attended many continuing education courses that have improved my knowledge in many areas of dentistry. I love learning and expanding my knowledge in health and wellness.

At home, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband Randy and I have 2 children, Brynleigh age 7 and Bradford age 5. We have a very active Australian Shepard-Louis. I enjoy walking, running, being on the water and the outdoors.

Samantha Griffiths

RDH, Dental Hygienist

I graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 2016 with an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene. From there, I continued to excel in the dental world by working as a Dental Hygienist in West Michigan. I joined Bander Dental Group in February of 2023, and I have been overjoyed to be apart of such an exceptional team!

My goal at Bander Dental Group is to provide the highest quality of care while also making patients feel comfortable, and to build confidence in their smile.

In my youth, I was the pioneer class of Ada Vista Spanish Immersion. This helped me become fluent in Spanish. I am happy to assist with any language barrier there may be at our practice.

Outside of being a tooth fairy, I have two cats Luna and Butters. I also have a golden retriever named, Tater! I love staying busy with activities such as kayaking, yoga, and all things DIY. I also enjoy traveling, concerts and exploring new places.

PS: If you bring me chicken nuggets I’ll be your best friend forever!

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.

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.

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.

Amanda Suero

Dental Assistant

I joined the remarkable Bander Dental Group team in winter of 2022, with almost 3 years of experience as a Dental Assistant. I graduated from the Dental Assisting program at ROSS Medical Education Center in March of 2020, and I truly have a passion for what I do in the dental field, I am constantly striving to learn more.

The most rewarding part of dentistry is being able to connect with my patients while simultaneously teaching them the importance of their oral health. I am so blessed to be part of a team who not only makes quality of care their number one priority, but ensures that each patient is comfortable, and feels welcome, wanting to come back again!

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, I moved to Florida in 2014, and returned in 2017 after graduating high school. Both of my parents are Dominican immigrants and as a Dominican-American, I am proud to be fluent in both Spanish and English. I am married to my amazing husband, Maceo. In our free time, we enjoy spending time with our dog Logan, visiting the animals at the Zoo, and we’re HUGE foodies!

Amanda Bonney

Dental Assistant

I recently joined Bander Dental Group in June 2023 with 16 years of previous dental clinic and business experience.  It is clear to me that I have found my forever work family and I am so very grateful for that.

I grew up in the Grand Rapids / Walker area and graduated with honors from dental assisting school.  While in school, my husband and I had our first-born son and that didn’t stop me from pursuing my first dental position and continuing as a full-time working mother.   Two years later we welcomed our beautiful daughter into the family and later moved to a more rural area to raise our 2 children (3 if you consider our sweet dog, Thor).

I am a very family-oriented person.  I love watching my children play sports, hunting, fishing, being outdoors and of course cuddling with our sweet Thor.  

Krissie Pham

Dental Assistant

I graduated from Ross Medical Dental Assisting program at the end of 2015 and have been working in general dentistry since 2016. What I love most about general dentistry is the variety of dental treatment options we have to offer to patients; from preventive, to restorative, and cosmetic. Working in the dental field allows me to be able to help and provide patients with great dental care. I am very blessed to be working with such great dentists and an amazing team that truly cares about their patients’ dental needs.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Besides looking at teeth, I enjoy fashion, trying new food, traveling, and journaling with my bible study girls. When I’m not shopping or eating, I like to stay active with yoga, pilates, hiking, and kayaking.

Mariah Klocke

Dental Assistant

I joined Bander Dental Group in the summer of 2022. I’m so grateful to be a part of such an outstanding team who strives to ensure each patient is provided the quality care they deserve. The most rewarding part of working in the dental field is watching patients go through a transformation and get a smile they have confidence in and are proud to show.

I am married to my husband, Reece. We have two beautiful daughters, Aria and Lennon. We have two dogs, named Forrest and Daisy. I am the health care director and a foster for Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue. So, our home is constantly full of dogs and love! In my spare time, I enjoy being with family and friends, maintaining my indoor jungle of house plants, hiking, traveling, and being outdoors.

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.