Staff

Shawna – EFDA, Lead Dental Assistant

A native of the Southern Oregon area, Shawna graduated from Rogue River High School in 2008. In 2011 Shawna married her husband Josh after he returned from his tour in Iraq. While attending Rogue Community College she started a job in the dental field as a sterile technician at a local Rogue River office. She then decided to apply for dental assisting program and quickly fell in love with the dental field. Shawna started working at Johnston Dental Care in 2014 as Dr. Matt’s assistant and loves being part of a team that’s committed to providing the best experience possible for each and every patient. When she’s not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs and family!

Dallas – EFDA

Dallas’ journey in Southern Oregon started in 2007 when her family moved here from Utah. She graduated high school in 2016 and started the Dentall Assisting program at Abdill Career College in 2017. After graduating, Dallas started at Johnston Dental Care. She feels blessed to be working with such an amazing group of individuals. In her free time, Dallas enjoys spending time with her husband Mathew, hiking, riding quads, and going to the gym.

Gara – EFDA

Gara was born in Southern California and raised in Wimer, graduating from Rogue River high school in 1994. She had an interest in the dental field for many years while raising her children. When her youngest was seven years old she started taking classes at Rogue Community College. In 2013 she graduated from the dental assisting program, and in 2015 graduated with an associates degree. Gara loves being part of the Johnston Dental Care team and helping the day run smoothly for the doctors, her other coworkers, and most importantly for our patients. Her favorite procedures are crowns and extractions. When she is not working she spends time with her daughters, granddaughters, and fiance. Gara also loves hiking, hanging out at the river or lake, going to concerts, and entering contests.

Kathy – DA

Kathy is a native to California but moved to Oregon in 2008. She started her career in the dental field as a dental assistant in 1979. She has a passion to give the patients the very best dental experience. Recently married, she loves to spend time with her family, friends and animals.

Becky – DA

Becky was born and raised in San Jose, CA where she graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Foothill Community College. She was an Orthodontic Assistant before she moved to Southern Oregon in 2018. Becky loves working in the dental field where she loves to see patients leave with a happy, confident bright smile! Outside of work Becky enjoys spending time with her family, friends and animals.

Sommer – DA

Sommer and her family moved to Grants Pass when she was seven years old and she immediately felt captured by the beauty that surrounded her in Southern Oregon. She loves being busy and multitasking and has followed her mom into the medical field, first as a CNA but found her true passion in dentistry. She graduated from OSU dental assisting in Sept 2017, and started working with Johnston Dental care in July 2019. Sommer says “I’ve always had a desire to be a part of something that was life changing for others, to make an impact in others’ lives. The absolute number one thing I love about dentistry is the endless opportunities for growth. I personally feel very blessed to have found such a wonderful career that keeps on giving!”

Hunter – DA

Hunter was born and raised in Grants Pass and has loved every minute of the PNW. She graduated in 2017 from Hidden Valley high school and then attended Southern Oregon Dental Assisting Education and worked at Johnston Dental Care while finishing the program. Hunter loves dentistry because of the ability to connect and build trust with patients. These bonds can develop into lifelong relationships with patients and their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and 2 French bulldogs as well as Archery hunting and raising hogs.

Missy – Sterile Tech

Missy is originally from the coast and grew up on a ranch. She has been married to her wonderful husband George for 22 years and has four kids. She joined the Johnston Dental team as a sterile technician in 2019. “I love the fun and kind atmosphere working at JDC.”

Chelsea – RDH, Lead Hygienist

Chelsea graduated as Class Secretary from the Lane Community College Dental Hygiene program in 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Chelsea loves being a hygienist because it gives her the opportunity to get to know each and every one of her patients as individuals and help them develop a home care regimen that fits their own personal needs. She grew up in Southern Oregon and enjoys doing yoga as well as spending time with her friends, family, and her dog named Louie.

“I am beyond ecstatic to join the Johnston Dental Care team. I look forward to working with an already stellar group of professionals and I can’t wait to get to know all of their wonderful patients!”

Noelle – RDH

Noelle earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Yakima Valley College, graduating in 2016 while serving as Class President. Her favorite part of dentistry is working together with patients that are anxious or afraid of dental work and helping them have a comfortable, positive experience in the dental chair. She moved here from Washington in 2017 after marrying Jordan, a Grants Pass native. Noelle began at Johnston Dental Care as a fill in and loved it so much she never left! She is thrilled to now be working with our great patients on a full-time basis. You will probably see a photo of her dog, Winston, before leaving the appointment!

“I am so glad to be a part of such a kind, positive team of professionals serving wonderful patients.”

Jody – RDH

Jody was born and raised in a small town in GA just south of Atlanta. She graduated from Clayton State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene. She and her husband Terry have been married for 14 years, with a 10 year old son Lawson as well a dog (Oliver) and cat (Gilbert). Jody fell in love with the West Coast 20 yrs ago when her husband took her skiing in Colorado. They eventually took the leap of faith to move out here in 2018. She most loves the relational aspect of dentistry and meeting new people! Outside of the office, she loves outdoor adventures/travel and animals, spending time with family/friends and Jesus, and loves to laugh and make people laugh (ask her about Bigfoot). She also notes she is very glad to have a Chick-fil-A here, saying it “feels like a little piece of home out here”.

Keshia – RDH

Keshia was born and raised in Southern Oregon and graduated from Oregon Tech in 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. She is mom of 3 very energetic boys and married to her favorite human on the planet-Ryan. Her favorite part about being a hygienist is interacting with patients. She says “I love people, and helping patients to maintain a healthy mouth, which leads to better overall health, is what I strive for!”
When she is not at work, Keshia can be found outside, doing boy mom stuff, camping and exploring.

Lindsay – RDH

Lindsay graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology Dental Hygiene Program with a Bachelor of Science Degree. With over 20 years experience in the dental field, Lindsay loves getting to know her patients and developing the best care for each individual. When she’s not with her work family she is camping, hiking, biking and exploring with her husband and 2 girls!

Erica Johnston

When Johnston Dental Care first formed in 2007, Erica was an integral part of its conception from writing the human resource manual to keeping the books and payroll to helping create the logo. Matt and Erica worked hand in hand to form Johnston Dental Care – usually with a baby on her hip.

Erica continues to manage much of the business end of Johnston Dental Care, creating effective systems to run smoothly and managing the billing. She is part of the marketing committee and is the creative mind behind many of the No Cavity Club t-shirts. She facilitates employee recognition and team unity opportunities. She also handles the interior design and decoration.

Erica earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in business from Utah Valley University and a Master’s degree in bilingual/bicultural studies from LaSalle University. Her favorite hobbies are reading and cheering on her kids from the stands. Her marriage and children are her greatest joy and most fulfilling success. She’s also ridiculously funny.

Lisa – Receptionist

Lisa has been in the dental field since 2013, starting out as a dental assistant and is now our Patient Care Coordinator. Lisa Graduated from Hidden Valley High School in 2005. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Tiana – Treatment Plan/Insurance Coordinator

Tiana was born and raised right here in Grants Pass and just can’t find it in her heart to leave this beautiful place she calls home.
She is an only child to two wonderful parents, wife to an amazing husband, Donnie, and mama to a sweet baby girl, Piper.
Tiana graduated from Grants Pass High School in 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Business Management from Southern Oregon University.
She spent the first part of her professional career in banking, where she fell in love with serving and getting to know the people in this community. She stepped out of her comfort zone and began working in healthcare in October of 2015 and hasn’t looked back since. Her journey with Johnston Dental Care began as a patient, and in January of 2017 as an employee.
She feels so blessed and thankful to be a part of such an incredible team that cares so much about each and every patient that walks through their doors.

Carrie – Billing Representative

Carrie grew up in Las Vegas, NV for 25 year. After graduating college at UNLV and CCSN, she moved to North Dakota to pursue her career in sales for the Oil Industry. Carrie met my husband in North Dakota and after they married they decided to move to his hometown of Grants Pass. When Carrie isn’t making everyone laugh, she spends her spare time Fishing on the Rogue River, working on her tan, gardening and hanging out with her friends, family, husband and dogs! She loves to make people laugh and smile!

Cindy – Insurance Coordinator

Cindy and her husband recently moved to the Grants Pass area from Atlanta, GA where she has lived all her life as a southern belle. Married for 33 years they have a beautiful daughter, an adorable dog, and now cows. She has worked in dentistry for the last 5 years and is thrilled to be part of the Johnston Dental Care team. She loves the interaction with the patients knowing they are receiving excellent dental care and how it can changes their outlook on life. When she is not at work, she loves the outdoors and country living, exploring with her husband the beauty that Oregon has to offer.

Kelli – Scheduling Coordinator

Kelli was born and raised in Southern Oregon. She loves the outdoors, including rafting and hiking. She is new to dentistry and a fast learner! We love having her smile at our front desk. Her favorite part is getting to meet new people every day and help them have a great experience.

Carey – New Patient Coordinator

Carey moved to GP in Spring of 2008 when her husband was hired with Asante as an ENT. She is a mother of 4 children, 1 serving a church mission and 3 at home attending GPHS and NMS. Carey was born and raised in Arizona but has loved the Oregon GREEN and exploring, hiking, rafting and camping while living here. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education but has chosen to work for her favorite dentist instead! Carey was a patient first and was always a nervous one but found comfort in coming to Johnston Dental Care for the past 12 years and has highly recommended this office to scaredy cats like herself! Carey loves traveling, painting, reading, volunteering and spending time with her family.