Meet the Johns Family and Implant Dentistry Staff
Carrie Kolowinski
Office Manager
Carrie joined our team in December 2002. A native of Puyallup, Carrie graduated from Puyallup High School before studying at Pierce College and Western Washington University. The staff of JFD is like a second family to Carrie and she enjoys the many close friendships she has developed with our patients. Carrie’s role as office manager keeps the administration side of the office running smoothly, but her caring disposition gives her the ability to fill the role as patient liaison. Her job is to serve and assist our patients. Carrie shares her home with her partner Mike and their beloved long-haired dachshunds Ethyl and Lucy. She is a sports and music enthusiast.
Melissa Rosenberg
Financial Coordinator
Originally from the great state of Texas, she moved to Washington with her family in 2004, when they became stationed at McChord Air Force base. She has two beautiful children whom she adores. Melissa and her long-time boyfriend Richard are the parents of three dachshunds. They love spending quality time together. She graduated from dental assisting school in 2005. She has enjoyed working and helping patients more in an administrative capacity and excels at making patients feel comfortable. Melissa has worked in all aspects of the dental office and is here to help you with scheduling, answer any questions you may have, assist with dental insurance, and loves to make you feel part of our dental family. When she is not in the office she is busy with numerous activities. She is such a joy to have in our office.
Alexandra Argall
Insurance Coordinator
“Alex” joined the JFD team in the spring of 2021, but is not new to dentistry. Alex has a history of dental assisting and dental administration. She is the glue that keeps the schedule running on time and coordinates where each staff member needs to be.
Alex was raised in the beautiful San Juan Islands and when she is not in the dental practice, you can often find her in a barn. She has a passion for horses and riding and enjoys spending time with her own mare and running her cattle dog Remi.
Charlene Ellis
Scheduling Coordinator/Phlebotomist
“Char” has had an interest in dentistry for as long as she remembers, but never had the right opportunity to make the career change. In the spring of 2021, Johns Family Dentistry was looking for the right personality to fill the role at the office and someone willing to train in phlebotomy. Office manager Carrie immediately thought of her sister Char, and hence it has become a family affair.
Char was born in San Jose, CA, but has called Puyallup home since she was an infant. She graduated from Rogers High School and has worked for different companies, primarily in warehouses. Char has a true interest in dentistry and Dr. Johns often welcomes her to observe over his shoulder.
When not at the practice, Char is busy with her blended family. Char has an adult daughter and son, while her wife has three adult sons. They are often entertaining their grandchildren, as they have eleven between them.
Lexi Elkhart
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
Lexi grew up on the key peninsula and began her career as a dental assistant 20+ years ago. In 2015, Lexi attended South Puget Sound Community College and received her certification as an EFDA. Lexi is well-versed in all things dental and is a wealth of knowledge and experience for our office.
In her off time, you can catch her snuggling her two cats or visiting family in central Washington. Lexi has a gentle hand, a soft tone, and a great sense of humor. We can put just about any dental procedure with her and she can do it with ease!
Ashlie Vanover
Registered Dental Assistant
Ashlie was born and raised in the great state of Texas. When you get her and Melissa chatting, a whole lot of accent comes out! Ashlie’s husband recently had to relocate to Washington State for his job, which brought their family of four to our area. We consider ourselves lucky that Ashlie is an experienced dental assistant and found our office, close to their home.
In her off time, her and her husband have been taking their two small children out to explore the PNW. Ashlie loves our view of Mt. Rainier and we have had fun teaching her how to predict the weather by keeping an eye out for the mountain’s cap. She is cheerful and will always greet you with a big smile!
Nicole Merryman
Restorative Dental Hygienist
Nicole joined our team in 2010 after graduating Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Washington University. Her education from the EWU Dental Hygiene program prepared Nicole to be a well-rounded hygienist. She is grateful to work with such a wonderful team, as well as to get to know our amazing patients. Nicole, and her husband Dustin, love spending all their free time with their three children, Landon, Presley and Maverick. In Nicole’s free time, she enjoys crafting, working out, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and rooting for our Seattle Seahawks and Mariners.
Shania Calf-looking
Registered Dental Hygienist
Shania is our newest team member. Raised in the pacific northwest, she calls Carbonado home. Shania obtained her Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree from Pierce College.
Shania has a true passion for dentistry and education. She has a knack for connecting with patients and allowing them to be heard.
Shania is a mom to her beloved dog but looks forward to starting a family with her husband. In her time away from the office you can catch her traveling, spending time outdoors, gaming or enjoying music.
Kailey Williams
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kailey grew up in Gig Harbor but happily resides in Puyallup. She obtained her Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree from Pierce College. Kailey is skilled and driven in dental hygiene and has a passion for oral health and education.
When not in the practice, Kailey loves traveling. Often headed to the east coast to visit family or travel with her husband to a wonderfully exotic location.
Kailey and her husband share their home with their beloved dogs. Both are rescued and her youngest came all the way from the tough streets of Turkey! Kailey loves cheering on our local teams and taking in a country music concerts.
Tiffany Jorgensen
Sterilization Assistant
Tiffany tried her hand as a sterilization assistant several years ago but became a full-time mom. Eager to re-enter the workforce now that her children are older, she applied as our sterilization assistant and it has been a win/win for both her and our office. She is diligent, professional, and witty! She keeps things light and funny. Lovingly referred to as “Momma-T” she is always willing to lend an ear or make sure everyone has what they need. In the past year, Tiffany has evolved her role in the practice and assists with ordering, lab correspondence and keeps the clinical team running efficiently.
Tiffany spends her outside time with her family. They enjoy sports and movies. Sadly, Tiffany’s number one football team is Green Bay. Since she is fabulous at everything else, we let this small mishap slide and she does watch our Seahawks and root for them when they are not playing the Packers.