MacKenzie | Dental Assistant
MacKenzie joined the dental field in December 2022 and has been thoroughly enjoying her work ever since. Her future goals include pursuing a career as a hygienist. She is a delightful person to have around and is always eager to learn more as a clinical assistant.MacKenzie has spent her whole life in Howell, and now resides in downtown Howell with her boyfriend Nathan and their three lovely cats – CJ, Booters, and Nayla. They enjoy spending their free time embarking on exciting adventures up north and lounging poolside with loved ones.
Julie | Hygienist
Julie graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in dental hygiene, and has been practicing for over 20 years. She takes pride in building strong relationships with her patients, prioritizing their comfort while delivering exceptional care. It's no surprise that her infectious energy spreads throughout the office.
When not at work, Julie and her husband Matt enjoy quality time with their three sons, taking long walks with their dog, and staying active outdoors.
When not at work, Julie and her husband Matt enjoy quality time with their three sons, taking long walks with their dog, and staying active outdoors.
Cyndi | Clinical Assistant Lead
With 17 years of experience in the dental field, Cyndi is a seasoned pro who enjoys assisting in general and surgical dentistry. She attended Washtenaw Community College to hone her skills. She has become a valuable addition to our leadership team.
Her presence has been a breath of fresh air, bringing positivity and warmth to our team and patients.
When she's not at work, Cyndi loves spending time outdoors with her husband Jim, their three daughters (Riley, Stella, and Delaney), and their golden retriever, Copper. She's an avid runner who hits the pavement almost every day, and even completed a full marathon (26.2 miles).
Her presence has been a breath of fresh air, bringing positivity and warmth to our team and patients.
When she's not at work, Cyndi loves spending time outdoors with her husband Jim, their three daughters (Riley, Stella, and Delaney), and their golden retriever, Copper. She's an avid runner who hits the pavement almost every day, and even completed a full marathon (26.2 miles).
Heather | Hygienist
Nurture Family Dental welcomed Heather in September 2022, but she has been working as a dental hygienist for the past 15 years. Heather received her Bachelor of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University before pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene from Wayne County Community College. Her passion for building relationships with people from all walks of life and helping them achieve excellent oral health is what drives her every day. Heather's warm, outgoing, silly, and compassionate personality has allowed her to develop long-term relationships with both her co-workers and patients.
When Heather is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and their three boys, who are actively involved in sports all year round. She also enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and working on DIY home projects.
When Heather is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and their three boys, who are actively involved in sports all year round. She also enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and working on DIY home projects.
Amber | Patient Scheduling Coordinator
Amber grew up in Howell and enjoys finding new ways to challenge herself as well as working on personal growth. When she isn’t working, she loves spending time with her husband, Chris and their two dogs, Maggie, and Marco Polo. Whether it’s a quiet night at home or a day filled with adventure, Amber enjoys spending time with the people she loves.
Amber worked in the pet care industry before joining Nurture Family dental in July 2022. Though she didn’t have experience in dental care, she strives every day to made sure patients feel comfortable and receive the best care possible whenever they visit us here in the office.
Amber worked in the pet care industry before joining Nurture Family dental in July 2022. Though she didn’t have experience in dental care, she strives every day to made sure patients feel comfortable and receive the best care possible whenever they visit us here in the office.
Melissa | Hygienist
Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University and then went on to earn another degree in dental hygiene from Lansing Community College. With over 16 years of hygiene experience, Melissa’s attention to detail and enthusiasm to maintain high standards in the profession of periodontics are truly appreciated by her patients and dental team. She brings an extensive knowledge and a caring passion for dentistry through health and wellness to all of her patients, making them feel at ease by building personal relationships, confidence, and trust. Along with her gentleness and understanding nature, she is extremely devoted to educating patients on their individual needs.
Joining Nurture Family Dental in January of 2017, Melissa quickly made a large, positive impact on the practice. Using her keen eye for interior design, she helped transform our practice into the comfortable and welcoming place it has become by designing a vast majority of the space within!
Together with her husband, Dave, Melissa enjoys spending time with their seven children, traveling north to Michigan's many wineries, gardening and using her artistic touch in restoring furniture and freelance interior design projects.
Joining Nurture Family Dental in January of 2017, Melissa quickly made a large, positive impact on the practice. Using her keen eye for interior design, she helped transform our practice into the comfortable and welcoming place it has become by designing a vast majority of the space within!
Together with her husband, Dave, Melissa enjoys spending time with their seven children, traveling north to Michigan's many wineries, gardening and using her artistic touch in restoring furniture and freelance interior design projects.
Ashley | Clinical Lead/Hygienist
Ashley received her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from the University of Michigan, and joined Nurture Family Dental in late February, 2017. Since joining the practice, Ashley has received many compliments from our patients on her compassionate care and friendly, outgoing personality. She enjoys meeting new people each day and making sure you are receiving the best care possible. As clinical lead, Ashley guides the clinical team and its processes that make your visit friendly, comfortable and smooth, while planning out the future of the department.
When not busy with mom life with her two daughters, Ashley enjoys time riding her Harley and spending time outdoors.
When not busy with mom life with her two daughters, Ashley enjoys time riding her Harley and spending time outdoors.
Maureen | Hygienist
Maureen ("Mo") received her degree in hygiene from Mott Community College and is such a joy to be around. It's easily seen that Mo genuinely cares for each patient and loves meeting new people. Her warm, caring personality exudes the great attitude that Nurture Family Dental is proud to provide its patients.
Mo joined Nurture Family Dental in October, 2019. She and her husband, Britt, are proud parents to their daughter Andrea and their "adopted" Emma, whom they welcomed into their home as a foreign exchange student. She greatly enjoys yoga, great food, and spending as much of her summers on the water as she can!
Mo joined Nurture Family Dental in October, 2019. She and her husband, Britt, are proud parents to their daughter Andrea and their "adopted" Emma, whom they welcomed into their home as a foreign exchange student. She greatly enjoys yoga, great food, and spending as much of her summers on the water as she can!
Colleen | Patient Concierge
We are delighted to have Colleen on our team as NFD’s patient concierge. With five years of administrative experience as a scheduling and treatment coordinator in the dental field, she is the perfect fit for this role in our practice. Colleen has a passion for connecting with patients and is inspired by the way that dentistry can impact others. We are grateful to have her on board, providing a warm welcome and a comfortable environment for our patients. Her infectious smile and positive attitude make her a valuable addition to our team.
Colleen and her husband Adam share their cozy home with their furry friends, Merlyn the cat, Penny Lane the dog, and her beautiful horse, Lakota. In her free time, Colleen enjoys cooking for her family, exploring new places, and antiquing.
Colleen and her husband Adam share their cozy home with their furry friends, Merlyn the cat, Penny Lane the dog, and her beautiful horse, Lakota. In her free time, Colleen enjoys cooking for her family, exploring new places, and antiquing.
Saleena | Dental Assistant
Saleena joined Nurture Family Dental in January of 2022. She has over five years of dental experience and has been such a bright spot since joining the team. She quickly jumped on the NFD train and has assimilated herself right into our culture!
Saleena has been married to her husband Geoff for 22 years and together they have four children and live in Howell. As a family they attend Northridge Church where Geoff is the campus pastor. In Saleena’s free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family.
Saleena has been married to her husband Geoff for 22 years and together they have four children and live in Howell. As a family they attend Northridge Church where Geoff is the campus pastor. In Saleena’s free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family.
Brittney | Director of Marketing and Communication
In August 2021, we welcomed Brittney to our team. With over seven years of experience in dental administration, including managing a practice, she brings valuable expertise to NFD. Brittney is passionate about creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for our team and patients, which, in turn, changes the perspective of dentistry. Brittney is the creative mind behind our practice’s culture. Her keen eye for photography and creative flair bring our team’s vision to life.
Originally from Livingston county, Brittney and her husband Matt are now raising their three children in the same area. When not at work, they enjoy spending time at home with their two huskies and soaking up the sun either poolside or on the lake with family and friends.
Originally from Livingston county, Brittney and her husband Matt are now raising their three children in the same area. When not at work, they enjoy spending time at home with their two huskies and soaking up the sun either poolside or on the lake with family and friends.
Lindsey | Patient Scheduling Coordinator
Lindsey became a part of Nurture Family Dental in October 2021, bringing three years of dental experience and 17 years’ experience in the medical field. Lindsey graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in business administration and a certificate in marketing. As our Patient Scheduling Coordinator, she ensures our schedule hums along and enjoys establishing relationships with our patients with her outgoing personality and great sense of humor.
Lindsey enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family, her husband of 15 years, Steve, and her twin children Harper and Cooper.
Lindsey enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family, her husband of 15 years, Steve, and her twin children Harper and Cooper.
Kim | Patient Services Coordinator
Kim courageously jumped into a new industry and joined Nurture Family Dental in August 2021 after devoting much of her career to medical administration for 18 years. As our Patient Services Coordinator Kim focuses on what happens after your services with NFD are completed. She works with specialist referrals, coordinating future treatment and the proper billing of services to insurance.
Kim grew up in Howell, lives in Byron and enjoys the country life with her husband of 31 years, George. Kim also enjoys time with her two adult sons and two granddaughters. In her free time, she loves kayaking, camping, and traveling to new destinations and experiences.
Kim grew up in Howell, lives in Byron and enjoys the country life with her husband of 31 years, George. Kim also enjoys time with her two adult sons and two granddaughters. In her free time, she loves kayaking, camping, and traveling to new destinations and experiences.
Kayla | Insurance Specialist
Kayla became an instrumental part of our team in August 2021 and has been part of the dental industry for 8 years. As our Insurance Specialist, she brings the skillset and tenacity required to navigate the open waters of insurance. She enjoys helping the patient get the most out of their benefit plan and explaining the nuances of insurance coverage.
Kayla lives in the Fowlerville area with her fiancé Shane and daughters Addilynn and Finley. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, camping and horse shows with her daughters.
Kayla lives in the Fowlerville area with her fiancé Shane and daughters Addilynn and Finley. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, camping and horse shows with her daughters.
Valerie | HR Lead/Executive Assistant
Valerie attained much success in the corporate world for over twenty years before deciding to make a career change, joining Nurture Family Dental in December of 2021. As our HR Lead, she joins our leadership team in planning our long-term goals for the practice, focusing on the timely and efficient onboarding of new team members, administering our team member programs and benefits, and ensures our compliance with numerous licensing and regulatory agencies. She also acts as an agent on behalf of Dr. Kuras and Dustin, providing support behind-the-scenes to ensure the practice's growth and improvement.
Valerie grew up in Westland and moved to the Whitmore Lake area in 2015. She loves being on the water and enjoys spending the majority of the summer boating with family and friends. In her free time, she also enjoys attending concerts, sporting events, and cheering her nieces on with all their sports and activities.
Valerie grew up in Westland and moved to the Whitmore Lake area in 2015. She loves being on the water and enjoys spending the majority of the summer boating with family and friends. In her free time, she also enjoys attending concerts, sporting events, and cheering her nieces on with all their sports and activities.
Dustin | Chief Operating Officer
Dustin graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with BBA degrees in both Marketing and Management. As our Chief Operating Officer, he takes pride in ensuring our team has all the tools and processes to afford our patients a uniquely enjoyable experience! Whether it be our accounting, payroll, marketing, equipment, supplies, expansion and many other areas, Dustin loves managing our operations and creating long-term goals and visions for the practice.
In his former decade-plus career as a Sales and Supply Chain Manager for the steel and aerospace industries, Dustin learned the value in establishing lasting relationships with people and that his customer service to others was paramount. He is very excited to utilize his experience to better your visit to our office!
In his free time, Dustin enjoys golf, weightlifting, playing basketball and loves his life at home with Dr. Kuras and their four kids.
In his former decade-plus career as a Sales and Supply Chain Manager for the steel and aerospace industries, Dustin learned the value in establishing lasting relationships with people and that his customer service to others was paramount. He is very excited to utilize his experience to better your visit to our office!
In his free time, Dustin enjoys golf, weightlifting, playing basketball and loves his life at home with Dr. Kuras and their four kids.