meet our Staff

Our Denturist

 

Albert Cruz, DD

Albert credits his father for supporting him to become a Denturist. Albert received his education at George Brown College and is certified College of Denturists. Albert sees a story behind each pair of dentures he makes for his patients. Every patient can anticipate a comprehensive denture treatment plan and Albert likes to make his patients laugh – as long as their dentures don’t fall out. He also likes to travel the world (make sure to ask him about his many adventures).

our hygiene team 

 

Theresa Williamson, RDH

Theresa is Aurora’s Original Hygienist and is the reason many of our long term patients have loyally attended our clinic since we opened, and who won’t see anyone else! She’s been in the Dental Industry over 30 years, completing her Dental Hygiene Diploma in Regina, Saskatchewan. Prior to working in Sylvan Lake, she was a Dental Assistant in Red Deer for 10 years, and she has now lived and practiced in Sylvan Lake for the past 25 years. Her philosophy is to prioritize the comfort and health of her patients by using preventative dentistry. Aside from work, she is passionate about skiing, golfing, camping, gardening, and scrap booking. She loves spending time with her husband Ward and her two grown children Jesse and Tana. She’s also a pretty talented cook and often shares delicious offerings with the Aurora Team!

Jenna Johnston, RDH

Jenna comes from Saskatoon, SK and has been a part of the dental field since 2009, working as a dental assistant at Aurora.  She then graduated with distinction from the dental hygiene program in Saskatchewan and returned to the Aurora team.  Jenna loves interacting with her clients and helping them achieve their most desirable oral health outcome.  She offers a gentle and warm approach to all aspects of client care.  Outside of work, Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter in the mountains.

Cheryl Black, RDH

Cheryl is originally from Trenton Ontario. She worked as a dental assistant for 13 years before going back to school for Dental Hygiene and graduating in 1992. Given her vast history in the dental field, it is clear that she loves what she does and she enjoys meeting new people! She joined the Aurora Team in 2017 and has been taking exceptional care of her patients since then! In her time away from the clinic, Cheryl loves a good book, she can often be found watching a few rounds of golf, and frequently has a cup of tea in hand! Her favorite thing to do is spending time at the Family Cottage on Lake Ontario with family and friends. 

 

 

Our Dental Assistants 

 

Debbie Bone-Dyck, RDA

Debbie grew up on Vancouver Island and has called Alberta home for the last 20 years. She’s been in the dental industry for 32 years and has loved seeing patients oral health improve every year. In addition to being a dental assistant, Debbie has EMT training and has volunteered at the Red Deer free Open Door Clinic for the past 15 years. Her and her husband Jason hit the road on their motorbikes with their dog Xena or may go fly-fishing and camping. Enjoys cooking for friends and family!

JILL KUTRYK, RDA

Jill grew up in Central Alberta and has worked as a Dental Assistant for 12 years.  She worked with our Lacombe location back in 2009 but then took a 5 year break when her 3rd child was born to be with her kids. She returned to assisting in our Red Deer location and has been in our Sylvan location for over 3 years now. Her happy and helpful disposition makes her a welcome member of our team! When not working she loves spending time with her husband Andrew and her 3 kids, and heading to the mountains when she can!

Melissa Keetley, RDA

Melissa joined Aurora Dental Group in August of 2022, relocating from Calgary. She was looking to enjoy the Small Town Lake Life of Sylvan Lake and we were fortunate to secure her! She has been an assistant for over 12 years and she enjoys every aspect of her job, most especially helping patients overcome their fear of dental treatment. Her gentle and calming demeanor are a definite asset to our clinic. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys sports and outdoor activities as well as going home to spend time with family.

emerlynn villas, sterilization assistant 

Lynn is originally from the Philippines and loves to spoil her family back home with gifts. For several years after arriving in Canada, she was a nanny to 3 children and she was able to watch them grow up. She joined Aurora in early 2022 and we are not sure what we would do without her- she is especially adept at making sure everyone has everything they could need! She loves working in the dental field, and no matter what task she’s taking care of she has a ready smile for everyone!

our Administrative team

tionna Hayward, Office Manager

Tionna has been in the dental industry for over 20 years, and has been part of Aurora Dental Group since 2012. She first worked in our Sylvan clinic, then left in 2013 to manage our Lacombe location and then also the Red Deer location when it opened in 2017. She returned to Sylvan Lake and took over management in 2022. She has 2 senior Yorkie boys who she dotes on, she enjoys camping, reading, gardening, any kind of DIY project, and she loves spending time with friends and family.  

Beverly Moran, Reception

Bev has worked in reception with Aurora Dental group since 2011. She enjoys getting to know the patients and their families from Sylvan Lake community, and wants every patient leaving happy. Bev lives in Sylvan Lake and jumps in whenever she can. She does crafts, painting, garage sales, and walks alongside the lake with her husband Jim and their dogs Teaka and Shep. She has 2 adorable grand daughters that she enjoys spoiling at every opportunity!

Kimberly Matthews, hygiene Coordinator

Kim joined us in 2014 and she grounds our front desk with her very down to earth and happy disposition. Her sense of humor brings a lot of laughs to the office and will no doubt make you laugh too! She’s pretty famous for trying to sell your shoes while you’re in the chair! She loves meeting new patients and getting reacquainted with long time patients. She is highly skilled at keeping you on track with your dental cleanings and she does her very best to make sure you feel taken care of and that you leave happy. When away from work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and especially loves hanging out with her dog Miika, her two grown children and her husband Bob at their cabin in Nordegg! 

 

Marcia Hornby, Treatment Coordinator

Marcia joined Aurora Dental Group in 2017 and brought with her a solid sense of humor and a quick wit! She spent several years in Germany so has an appreciation for travel and good food. She is happy to help patients understand their insurance coverage for major treatment such as crowns, bridges and dentures. An avid animal lover, (except crocodiles haha) Marcia has 2 sweet Ginger cats Sophie and Cosmo. When away from work, she loves cuddling her cats, spending time with family, reading and working out. 

Connie Kentz, Reception

Connie joined us in the summer of 2022 and has been a longtime resident of Sylvan Lake. She is thrilled to be part of our team and we are thrilled to have her! She looks forward to welcoming New and existing patients. You can expect a very warm smile by her when you arrive and receive focused one on one attention when checking in for your appointment and taking care of paperwork.  Outside of work, Connie enjoys horseback riding, walks with her dogs and yoga. She and her husband have 2 grown children that are currently pursuing careers in the dental field!