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I did not always want to be an orthodontist. I did consider dentistry or possibly medicine as a career choice after completing a 9th grade science project on “Which toothpaste whitens the best ?”. However, when it was time to go off to college, I could not imagine going to school for another 8+ years, so I decided to get an engineering degree. After graduating from North Carolina State University with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Pulp and Paper Science, I was fortunate to get a great job working for Rayonier in Fernandina Beach, FL, near my hometown.
After a short time working in the manufacturing industry, I decided that this was not for me. While working at Rayonier, I spent some time shadowing Dr. Suellen Rodeffer in her orthodontic practice. I realized very quickly that this was a profession that I would love. It seemed to combine the engineering that I had learned with the interaction and care for people that I was missing in a manufacturing facility. I was amazed to see the changes that could take place and the smiles on the faces of Dr. Rodeffer’s patients when they would leave her office. At that time, Dr. Rodeffer joked with me that one day I would come back and be one of her partners. Little did I know that God was planning that very path for me.
With the blessing of my wonderful husband, I made up my mind to pursue that goal. After taking several prerequisite courses while still working for Rayonier, we packed up and moved to Gainesville, FL, for 7 years of training at the University of Florida. I am so blessed that God saw fit to lead me down this amazing journey. I joined Rodeffer and Garner Orthodontics in 2006, and my husband Will was able to teach and start the baseball program at the newly opened Yulee High School. We became Rodeffer, Garner, and Minor Orthodontics shortly thereafter, and now we have changed the name again to Coastline Orthodontics with the addition of Dr. Mokris to our practice. My husband, Will is part owner of Netting Professionals, a business that specializes in sports netting and supplies for recreational leagues, high schools, colleges, and pro sports teams. We have 4 amazing children named Harper, Savannah, Ava, and Addison (twins). Needless to say, our kids keep us very busy, but they are the joy of our lives.
When I am not at the office or at one of our children’s activities, I enjoy going to the beach, exercising, reading, and watching sporting events – especially Gator football and baseball. I am so blessed to be a Macclenny, Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville, FL, orthodontist, in such a beautiful area with amazing people. I enjoy getting to know our patients and watching the transformation that takes place as they develop more confidence in their smiles. We hope that you will feel comfortable in our practice, and we appreciate the trust that you have placed in us to take care of your smile.
