Cheryl
Administration/Certified Dental Assistant
Cheryl is one of the first people you will meet at the Advance Dental Group. She has worked in dentistry since 1987 as a Certified Dental Assistant and office administrator.
Cheryl’s friendly manner helps patients feel at ease with all their dental needs. She takes time to explain treatments, answer patients’ questions, and to encourage them to practice good dental hygiene. Cheryl really enjoys her job and the opportunity of getting to know the clients.
Cheryl has worked with Dr. Macdonnell since 2004 and really appreciates being part of the office team. She finds it very rewarding to see Dr Macdonnells completed treatments and the smiles that come with it!
Cheryl is married and has two very active boys. After work and on weekends, you can often find her at the hockey rink, soccer field or golf course. In her spare time Cheryl likes to walk, golf, and spend time with family and friends.
Teresa
Administration/Reception
Teresa has over 15 years of experience as a dental administrator and has worked with Dr Macdonnell at the Advance Dental Group since 2005. Teresa is a wealth of knowledge and can answer all your questions concerning dental insurance and other administrative issues. Teresa loves to read, bike, camp and spend time with her growing family. She enjoys touring the many wineries the valley has to offer, sipping wine and taking in the many vistas that the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Sajra
Hygiene Co-Ordinator/Reception
Sajra was born and raised in Bosnia Hercegovina until she was the age of 4 and immigrated to Canada due to the conflict in 1993. She lived in Saskatoon, sk for over 23 years. Recently new to Kelowna, Sajra enjoys touring the many winery’s and fruit stands and spending the summer with her family and friends at Skaha lake.
Maria
Office Manager
Maria grew up in Kelowna and completed the C.D.A. program at Okanagan College in 1988. She spent six years working in various areas of dentistry, including pediatric dentistry, general practice, and orthodontics in Vancouver. After returning to the Okanagan in 1994, Maria took on the role of Hygiene Coordinator and is now the Office Manager at Advance Dental Group. In addition to overseeing all HR functions, she organizes team building events and ensures the office runs smoothly. Outside of work, Maria enjoys golfing, traveling, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family and friends. With her energy, enthusiasm, and extensive experience, Maria is an integral part of the team.
Kamal
Certified Dental Assistant
Kamal is a new addition at Advance Dental Group. She was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada as an international student in 2012. While here she completed a post graduate diploma in information technology. In her heart, she’s always wanted to do something in the medical science field. She completed her certification in dental assisting from the College of New Caledonia in Prince George in 2020. After visiting family here in Kelowna, she knew she wanted to relocate here with her young family after seeing the beauty of the orchards and lake. She is a mother of two adorable kids and when she’s not at work she enjoys hanging out with her family swimming and skating. She is passionate about her job and giving back to others.
Taylor
Certified Dental Assistant
Taylor graduated from the Certified Dental Assisting program at the Okanagan College in 2009 and has been with Dr. Macdonnell and the Advance Dental Group ever since! Taylor is one of the friendly faces that you will see assisting during your appointment with Dr. Macdonnell. Her professionalism and kind manner puts patients at ease. Taylor enjoys the diversity of her job and the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. Taylor loves outdoor activities such as dirt biking, camping, hiking and snowboarding. She also enjoys playing guitar and reading.
Montana
Certified Dental Assistant
Montana is the newest member of our team, and one of our fabulous certified dental assistants. She was born and raised in Kelowna and is a recent graduate of the CDA program at Okanagan College. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors sitting around the bonfire, camping and 4x4’ing with her friends and dog.
Shelby
Certified Dental Assistant
Meet Shelby, a passionate new graduate from the CDA program at Okanagan College, where she completed her studies in the late spring of 2024. Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kelowna, Shelby has a deep appreciation for the outdoors. In her spare time, you can find her riding horses, dirt biking, snowboarding, and camping. She loves to travel and cherishes moments spent with friends and family. Shelby is excited to bring her skills and enthusiasm to our team, where she looks forward to making a positive impact in the community.
Christina
Registered Dental Hygienist
Christina was born in Saskatchewan and moved with her family to the Okanagan when she was 4 years old. She began her dental career in 2005 by completing the Certified Dental Assisting course at Okanagan College. After gaining experience in a periodontal practice, Christina realized she wanted to further her education and become a dental hygienist. She graduated from Vancouver Community College in 2013 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Christina is excited to be part of the Advance Dental team and looks forward to providing her patients with thorough, yet gentle, hygiene treatments.
Nicky
Registered Dental Hygienist
Born and raised in Kelowna, Nicky brings over 25 years of experience as a dental hygienist, having graduated from Camosun College in Victoria in 1998. She is passionate about helping patients achieve optimal oral health in a comfortable and supportive environment. Outside the office, Nicky enjoys making the most of everything the Okanagan has to offer, from hiking and skiing to snowshoeing and exploring local wineries with friends and family.
Desiree
Registered Dental Hygienist
Desiree was raised in the Okanagan Valley and took her hygiene education in Ontario where she graduated top of her class and was awarded the golden scaler award for highest overall achievement. Desiree has been a dental hygienist for 20 years and now finds herself back in the Okanagan after spending some time on Vancouver Island. She is passionate about her family and when she isn’t at the hockey rink, she spends her free time taking wine education courses.