Our Staff

Liz Maxbauer, RDH – Office Manager
liz@mcnamaraortho.com

Liz was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, where most of her family still resides. As a graduate of the University of Michigan Dental Hygiene program, her first job out of college was with an orthodontist. While this is slightly unusual for a hygienist, it proved to be fortuitous as she has worked for a total of eight orthodontists during her career.

She started in our office in 1982, working chairside directly with patients. While her duties keep her primarily at the front desk, you may see her occasionally working chairside with patients or helping with sterilization or lab work. She says, "I love our team because everyone genuinely cares about our patients and the quality of work we do. I take great pride in working with such high caliber doctors and staff. I find my position as office manager, as well as the field of orthodontics, to be fascinating because it continually challenges me to develop my skills in a variety of directions, involving science, technology, and human relations. We don't just straighten teeth, we change lives!"

Mary Kivi – Appointment and Insurance Coordinator

Mary worked as an Orthodontic Chairside Assistant for six years before joining our front desk staff as the Appointment Coordinator in 2000. "The people are the best part of my job", she says. She loves greeting our patient family as if they were her own, as well as being a part of a caring professional team. In addition Mary is also the Insurance Coordinator, experienced at maneuvering through automated telephone menus and multitasking during long waits on hold.

Mary knows what the patients are experiencing, as she is a former patient herself (and still wears her retainers at night!) She enjoys developing relationships with our patients and their families while they are on their journey toward straighter teeth, and looks forward to all of their warm smiles along the way.

Joelle M. Perok, DA – Office Assistant

Joelle grew up in Southgate, Michigan, where her entire family still resides. In November of 2009, she relocated to the Ida/Petersburg area with her two children, T.J. and Sofia, who keep her very busy.

After switching careers from a certified court reporter to dental assistant, Joelle has found it very rewarding working in many aspects of the dental field: general, pediatric, and orthodontics.  "I enjoy working with patients and their families through the entire treatment, and especially love to see the exciting end result, a beautiful smile!!!" Joelle joined our practice in October 2008. " Although I am a newer member of the orthodontic family, I am enjoying working with such a remarkable and friendly team, as well as developing a wonderful rapport with the patients and their families." In her free time, Joelle loves to spend time with her family and friends in Southgate, watching T.J at his soccer games, and enjoying Sofia's toddler years. She also enjoys scrapbooking and playing the flute.

Krista Gerych – Office Assistant and Clinical Staff

Krista was born and raised in Allen Park, Michigan. Her family moved to the Brighton area in 1996, where she currently resides with her teenage son. In her spare time, Krista enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends, and cheering for her son during his sporting events.

"I find the field of orthodontics to be very exciting and fulfilling. Our patients, their families and especially my co-workers are very warm-hearted and friendly. My most recent career challenge has been the extension of my duties to include working back in the clinic and sterilization areas. This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to get more knowledge in the orthodontic field and I enjoy it very much."

Lisa Wise, RDH – Clinical Staff

Lisa is a native of Michigan and grew up in Allen Park. She graduated in 2000 from the Dental Hygiene program at Wayne County Community College District. She lives in Brownstown, Michigan, with her husband Ron and their two children Kayla and Madison."My mom was a dental assistant, which is why I went into the dental field. I was also a dental assistant for three years prior to going into the dental hygiene program. I have always loved to make people laugh and smile, so this field was a perfect fit." Lisa has been a perfect fit in our office since she joined us in 2003. One of Lisa's favorite holidays is Halloween. She and her husband actually got married on Halloween in 2001, in Wonder Woman and Superman Costumes, respectively. Lisa also enjoys camping and participating in sports, horseback riding and Girl Scouts with her children.

By the way, check-out Lisa's smile; compliments of the braces she wore from our office. It won't be long before her girls also become part of our orthodontic family of patients. Then they, too, will see their mom at work; perhaps perpetuating the dental career started by Lisa's mom so long ago.

Pam Dennison, CDA – Clinic Coordinator/Clinical Staff

Pam was born across the street from our office at the "old" St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She grew up in Ann Arbor and attended Allen Elementary School. Pam moved to Scottsdale, Arizona for four years, and returned to Michigan graduating from high school in Milan. Pam went to Washtenaw Community College where she obtained her associates degree in Dental Assisting. She took her national board exam and also became a Certified Dental Assistant. Pam worked in the same general dentist's office for thirteen years before coming to our office.While Pam has many duties in our office, her favorite activity is keeping her patients entertained while waiting for the doctor. Pam has been known to quiz her young patients on their spelling words as well as give teens advice. She has been heard more than once advising kids that their braces will come off sooner if they keep their rooms clean and get their homework done! She would also love to know what you do for fun.

Pam has been married to Mike since 1981 and they have lived in the same home in Milan since 1983. They have two college aged daughters, Andrea and Jennifer. Pam also has four dogs, two German Shorthaired Pointers (Jade and Cooper) and two Shih Tzus (Mizuno and Asic).

Amanda Gaston, DA – Clinical Staff

Amanda initially worked as a valued member our clinical team from 2008-2009.  We were very sad to see her leave when an opportunity took her down South.  There, she continued to thrive in her orthodontic assisting career.  We were delighted when Amanda was able to return to us in the Fall of 2011.  “I am so happy to be back to my roots, both in Michigan and working with the team at McNamara Orthodontics.”

Amanda, a natural with children, has a beautiful daughter who was born in 2005.  Together, she and her daughter love to go shopping or out to eat.  Amanda spends the majority of her free time with her family.  You may spot her enjoying the local culture or going to the movies.  One thing is certain; you will surely spot Amanda in our clinic with her great smile.  We are so happy she is back!

Emma Brown, DA – Clinical Staff

We are fortunate that Emma, who has been an assistant in the field of orthodontics since 1970, joined our team in May of 2007. Emma was born in Texas, raised in Missouri, and has lived in numerous locations throughout the Midwest and Texas while raising her four children. She and her husband were married in 1967 and have been blessed with 4 grandchildren.
Emma says, "The thing I love most about orthodontics is the patients, and seeing how straight teeth can change the way they see themselves. I am excited about being a part of such a warm and friendly orthodontic team who has such high standards and quality results."Her other loves include spending time with family and doing volunteer work. She devotes her free time to community and church services.

Jackie Ranta, RDH – Treatment Coordinator/Clinical Staff

Jackie is a native of Tecumseh, MI, where she and her husband Bill still reside.  Together they have seven children, which keeps life fun and exciting.  Yet even with a big family, she and Bill still find time to sneak away and go rollerblading together.

Jackie is a graduate of Owens Community College and has been a dental hygienist since 1984. As an orthodontic clinician and treatment coordinator, she finds her job both challenging as well as rewarding.  She says, "Because of the high standards the doctors have set for themselves as well as the staff, there is continual growth and learning opportunities in our office."

She loves the interaction with the kids as well as adults.  She is fascinated at being part of a team that creates beautiful smiles.  Her own was created here as well! All of this just confirms the quote she loves:  "A smile is worth a thousand words!!"

Jody Parr, DA – Treatment Coordinator/Clinical Staff

Jody was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Ann arbor with her husband in 1996. Her daughters Sydney and Katie were born here.

After 10 years her husband's career took them to Montreal, San Francisco and Vancouver. His new business brought them back to Ann Arbor to stay!

"It is great to be back in the city we consider home. It is also exciting to be back working as an orthodontic assistant. Something I did for years while living in Wisconsin. The doctors and staff are a pleasure to work with and I enjoy seeing familiar faces in the patients and their parents."

Annie Hutchinson, DA – Clinical Staff

Maryanne "Annie" Hutchinson graduated from the dental assisting program at Ross Medical School in April of 2010, at which time she joined our clinical team. "I love the dental field because of all of the wonderful families you meet. It is forever changing, so you are always learning. I fully enjoy seeing people smile. I am very lucky to have found such a wonderful office. They are a world class team that prides themselves in personalized patient care, high standards, and the latest technology and materials."  In Annie's free time, she enjoys having fun with her family and friends. In keeping with her love of the great outdoors, she enjoys playing tennis, golf, mountain biking, running, swimming, cross country skiing and reading. Annie is the proud mother of Samantha and Nathan, two wonderful children that keep Annie young, busy, and happy.