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“I grew up as the oldest son in a family of nine girls and two boys. My youngest sister, Lindsey, was born with Down Syndrome. It was my responsibility to take her to the dentist when she was four. The doctor immediately strapped her head and hands to a board terrifying her, without even trying to connect with her as a person. As she screamed, he worked on her without regard. I was repulsed by what I saw. My sweet sister was so traumatized and never wanted to return. I hoped nobody would ever have an experience like that again. I knew I couldn’t affect everyone, but I could be an option for some. I also love working with my hands and I knew I needed a profession where not only my mind was engaged but my hands as well.”
Dr. Brandon Atkinson grew up in rural Pennsylvania wrestling, playing football, and helping his dad in his diesel shop and his mom manage his siblings while together they all ran a landscaping business. His determination to be a dentist developed in his early teenage years.
While pursuing his education at Brigham Young University, Brandon recognized that Oregon Health Sciences University would prepare him best to be a dentist. Having never been to Oregon, he packed up his small family and headed west knowing that was where he would earn his degree. Five years later and four children in tow, Dr. Atkinson settled in Skagit Valley where his wife, Kate, had grown up. Feeling at home in a smaller community where connection with community is the lifeblood, he has loved raising his family here while growing dental practices. Dr. Atkinson’s parents were always helping people. Living in that environment couldn’t help but rub off on him, so as a result, he loves to contribute and help others when possible. His desire is to be a force for good in the community. When Dr. Atkinson isn’t with patients, he spends the majority of his time with one or several of his six children watching round after round of golf or sitting on the bleachers watching soccer, basketball or tennis. As several of his children are adults now, they enjoy remodeling and real estate together and best of all, grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoys spending time with his wife who is often remodeling or building their latest project, and looking at real estate especially when traveling, while trying to fit in a little tennis if there is any time left over.
Megan’s dental career started before she even had her driver’s license. While attending Sedro-Woolley High School she simultaneously attended Skagit Valley College and in 2016 she graduated from high school and Skagit’s Dental Assisting Program. After 5 years in pediatric dentistry, we happily welcomed Megan to La Conner Dental where she focuses on helping people feel confident about their smile. She is great at connecting with every patient and putting their interests first. As a new mom, she loves spending time with her family, camping, kayaking, and all things outdoors.
Cathy was born and raised on the East Coast, but with family in the PNW she eventually decided to move west. She immediately fell in love with the green landscapes, the mountain views, and the oceanside. Selfless is one word that describes Cathy. In fact, she received her dental assistant training through the Red Cross in exchange for volunteer hours. Now, with 23 years of experience as a dental assistant she continues to help people day after day. Her goal is that every patient leaves the office feeling good about their smile. And if you ever smell something delicious when you come into the office, you can bet it’s something delicious Cathy baked using her farm fresh chicken eggs.
Belinda came with the dental office and we’re so glad she did. Before Dr. Atkinson purchased La Conner Dental, she worked for the previous dentist. In total, Belinda has 34 years of experience as a dental assistant, which makes her a great asset to the team. She drives all the way from Concrete and still arrives every day with high-energy and the ability to name any patient that walks into the waiting room. Belinda truly loves people and that flows over into her work as she easily makes every patient feel relaxed in the chair. In addition to her skills in the office, she is quite the gardener. Back home in Concrete, Belinda enjoys gardening, spending time in her she-shed, and joking around with her son and husband.
Lexie first met Dr. Atkinson at the ripe age of five when she was his patient. Her time at the dentist as a young girl, as well as her desire to help others, inspired her to pursue a career in the dental field. After graduating from Bellingham Tech, Lexie worked for Dr. Atkinson for 7 years as a Dental Assistant. Then she decided to take her skills to the next level by becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist. Lexie is a very hard worker and she strives to help people overcome their dental fears, educate them on the importance of dental health, and create long-lasting relationships with each patient. Outside of the office, she is an active mom who enjoys hiking, running, and playing outdoors with baby Sloan, her husband Joey, and her dog Stella.
Jenn has always had a passion for helping others which is obvious in the way people feel around her. She worked as a dental assistant for more than 15 years before being drawn to return to college for additional training to become a registered dental hygienist. Jenn consistently provides individualized dental care as she makes connections with one patient at a time. Apart from her expertise as a hygienist, she is the master of DIY projects. Jen and her husband built their house and are currently building a large shop. When she isn’t at La Conner Dental or working construction, you’ll find her camping with her husband, two children, and golden retriever, as well as watching her kids sporting events.
Kelsey has worked in the dental field for two decades now, starting as a dental assistant and then later utilizing her extensive dental knowledge to manage dental offices. She is a triple threat as we rely on her for billing insurance, treatment planning, and of course, taking care of patients. As a young child, Kelsey loved going to the dentist and she aspires to create a similar experience for every patient by solving any dental or financial problem that arises. In addition to leading our team, she enjoys boating, fishing, and camping with her friends and family, visiting her parents in Arizona, and watching her son play football. Go Spartans!
Debbie is a people person through and through. She is brilliant at creating meaningful relationships with both our patients and staff. As the newest addition to our team, she jumped right in and has smoothly transitioned into the dental world. Before joining our family at La Conner Dental, Debbie spent two decades in medical scheduling. Eager to learn, she looks forward to translating her many years of experience in the medical field to dental. Besides caring for patients, Debbie also loves yoga, boating, and hiking, as well as spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
