Bethany Mitchell
Operations Manager
Hello! If you are a current patient you have probably talked to me on the phone as I have worked for Dr. Gurr for over 3 years now! I have been in the dental field for over 17 years and love helping people gain confidence with their new smiles! I am a third generation Alaskan with deep roots in the Matanuska Valley. My great grandparents came here in 1935 with the colonization project and we have been here ever since! Outside of work I love spending time with my children and doing DIY projects on my home.
Jennifer Knepper
Hygienist
I live in Palmer with my husband, son, and dog and have lived in Alaska for over 20 years. I have been practicing dental hygiene for 13 years and working with Dr Gurr the past 6 years. Dental hygiene gives me the daily opportunity to meet new people, my favorite part of the job.
We have a boat and spend most of our summer in Prince William sound fishing and shrimping. I love our Alaskan summers and spend as much time outside as possible.
Terra Swartzbacker
Hygienist
I was born and raised in Wasilla, Alaska and love what this beautiful state has to offer. I enjoy being outside and have a passion for kayaking and hiking with my two dogs. I also enjoy a good game of football, Let’s Go Bucs!
I have always had an interest in health care, and once I learned how oral health directly affects your body – I felt passionate about educating on why oral health is so important. For me, Dental Hygiene was a great career choice. Not only do I get to educate, but I am able to meet and build relationships with people in our community.
I graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with my Associates in Dental Hygiene, but went back to get my Bachelors in Dental Hygiene. I love that I am able to provide care to the community that I grew up in and am excited to meet you!
Briana Lemmons
Hygienist
My name is Briana, but my friends call me “Bri”. I was born and raised in a small town in southern California, which is where I received my training in Dental Hygiene. Five years after practicing as a Dental Hygienist I flew to Africa to be a part of a ministry trip that literally changed the course of my life (ask me what Jesus did there—I love sharing the testimonies!). Shortly after returning home from Africa, I found myself on a flight to Alaska to visit some of the new friends I made on the ministry trip. It only took two days for me to fall in love with Alaska and that was all she wrote! Three months later I packed my Jeep with whatever would fit and I spent one week driving the Alcan with my best friend—someone who was equally as crazy to take the adventure of a lifetime. Since living in Alaska I’ve enjoyed the breathtaking scenery, the small town feel, and the endless outdoor activities that Alaska has to offer; I am SO excited to have landed here in Wasilla. I have a heart to see this Valley transformed by the love of Jesus and I am very excited to be a part of what the Lord is doing here in Alaska. As a Dental Hygienist here at Meridian Dental I am excited to get to know and serve you for the years to come—it is such an honor to be a part of this AMAZING team!
Kaienne Martin
Scheduling Coordinator
Hi I’m Kaienne Martin and I am a scheduling coordinator here as well as help in the back when needed! I was born and raised in the Mat-Su Valley. When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my family, doing house projects or outdoor activities. I’m currently going to school for my Bachelors in Health Sciences. I love working in the dental field because I get to see everyone’s smiling faces and learn all the cool ways that dental care contributes to your overall health.
Hannah Manasco
Dental Assistant
My name is Hannah Manasco and I am one of the assistants here at Lucille Dental, and a graduate of the Assisting program through UAA. I was born and raised in Alaska, where I found my love for the outdoors. When I am not assisting our wonderful doctors, I am out hiking, fishing or playing with my pups.
Dental is my passion and I am excited to be able to make a positive change in our community.
Ruvim Mikhaylyuk
Dental Assistant
My name is Ruvim Mikhaylyuk. I was born in Russia and lived in Ukraine for 4 years. I’ve been in Alaska since 2001. I went to UAA where I received my Dental Assisting degree in 2014. I enjoy being part of making a difference in every persons smile in dentistry! When I’m not grinding at work I love spending time with my wife and daughter in the outdoors hiking and skiing. I have a big passion for cars, including modifying and racing them as well as restoring exteriors with polish and ceramic coating. I am looking forward to meeting you at our dental family!