Meet the Team
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
Tracy
Financial Coordinator
I have worked in the financial department at the Edgewood Road location since 1992. I enjoy helping patients with their financial, insurance, and flexplan questions to ensure their contracts run as smoothly as possible. I feel very fortunate to be a part of a team that offers exceptional orthodontic treatment as well as excellent customer service. Drs. Novak and Swenson are top-notch orthodontists and they, along with the rest of our staff, are very friendly and professional. Our entire staff is committed to helping patients and parents have the best possible orthodontic experience.
In my free time, I enjoy bike riding and playing golf and tennis. I have three grown boys and two new grandchildren who are my pride and joy. I look forward to seeing you in the office!
PK
Office Manager
I’ve been part of the team since 2011 and love working in orthodontics, especially here! Our doctors and staff are the best people and care so much about our patients. I often work at the front reception desk greeting our patients/families, scheduling appointments, and taking care of any of their financial needs. I love building relationships with each patient and seeing their transformation. The finished, beautiful smiles are so rewarding!
In my free time, I like being outdoors with family and friends. I also enjoy taking vacations, reading suspense and romance novels, and watching movies. I especially enjoy being at home doing nothing but at the same time enjoying moments with my two daughters, husband, and our sweet little mini poodle named Duke.
Molly
Treatment Coordinator & Lead Registered Dental Assistant
I love working in orthodontics! I started in the field with Elite Orthodontics, in 2015 and can’t imagine a happier, more positive work environment. My days are spent surrounded by smiles! I get to work throughout the office: upfront in the clinic and filling in whenever needed. I also do the ordering for the office making sure we have everything we need to run smoothly. I look forward to coming to work every day and assisting in the creation of our patients’ beautiful smiles. Seeing how happy our patients are at the end of the treatment is always rewarding.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my daughter. We enjoy being outside, biking, golfing, traveling, and being active.
Julie
Registered Dental Assistant
I began my orthodontic career back in 1983, having graduated from Kirkwood Community College as an RDA with expanded functions. I have been at Elite since 2018 and I’ve enjoyed being a part of a team with a common goal that has fun along the way! I love interacting with patients and seeing the amazing results at the end of treatment.
My husband is a retired pharmacist and we have two adult children who have great smiles thanks to orthodontic treatment! We also have a dog named Millie. I love doing yoga, watching Hawkeye basketball, cross-country skiing, reading, movies, hanging out with family and friends, and traveling. Someday, I will be looking forward to warm sunny winters!
Chris
Laboratory Technician
I’ve worked in dentistry since 1992, starting in general dentistry, then as an adjunct instructor at Kirkwood Community College, and returning to practice in the orthodontic field. I make almost every appliance within our office, as well as our 3D models. I love working with my hands and enjoy the variety the lab gives me. I also love making people feel comfortable with the impressions and having them leave with a big smile!
I have been married to Todd since 1992 and we have one daughter. We volunteer for German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa and have one German shepherd of our own, as well as a cat. Todd and I love mountain biking and dirt biking together. I also work as a physique and strength coach and have competed as a natural professional bodybuilder!
Abbie
Certified Dental Assistant
I have worked in the dental field as a Registered Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant, and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant since 2012. I started my career in general dentistry and was fortunate enough start in the orthodontic field with Elite Orthodontics in 2020. There is nothing better than taking care of patients and building relationships, as well as seeing patients' beautiful smiles at the end. It is such a positive working environment and we all have built great friendships. We are a collective team that works great together!
I am married to a loving husband. We have been together since 2015 and have two cats, Blue and Tulah. I have two nieces and two nephews that I adore. When I’m not at work, I love reading, painting, exercising, cooking, and hanging with friends and family.
Smyrna
Registered Dental Assistant
I started my career in the orthodontic field in 2015 and joined the wonderful team of Elite Orthodontics in 2018. I am responsible for prepping our patients for braces, adjustments, removals, and anything else the doctors request at each appointment. I love being able to be a part of the beautiful transformation and smile that results from orthodontic treatment. I feel privileged to be able to work with such great doctors and staff. We are all truly a team!
I am married to my wonderful husband, Neftalí, and have two fur babies who we love to take out on long hikes! We love to travel, camp, and visit our family back home in the Chicago area. In my free time, my family and I enjoy volunteering in worldwide Bible education in which we teach interested people the truth of the Bible in the Spanish language.
Leanne
Registered Dental Assistant
I have been working in the dental field as a Registered Dental Assistant since 2014 after graduating from Kirkwood’s Dental Assisting Program. I started with Elite Orthodontics in April 2021 and I also work with Cedar Rapids Pediatric Dentistry. I enjoy being part of the Elite team with the positive environment and seeing the changes in the patients’ smiles.
I am married to a loving husband and we have been together for 16 years. We have two children and two dogs. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends outside. I also enjoy crafting and cooking.
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Nicole
Treatment Coordinator & Registered Dental Assistant
I started in the dental field after attending NICC for the dental assisting program in 2016. I began working at a general dentist office that occasionally did orthodontics as well. I love the dental field for the variety and seeing the outcomes of smiles! I arrived at Elite Orthodontics in September of 2021 and am very excited to be in the Ortho world. I assist our doctors with new and observation patients, in addition to helping patients and their families understand their treatment needs and the doctors’ recommendations. I love that I get to meet new people every day. It is very rewarding to help patients through the beginning processes of starting orthodontic treatment.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and our daughter. We enjoy playing with our dog Aspen as well as golfing, hunting, fishing and napping!
Veronica
Scheduling Coordinator 
I have been working in the dental field since 2009. I joined the wonderful team of Elite Orthodontics in 2022. My day is usually spent greeting our patients and making sure their appointment needs are met before they leave. Our doctors and staff are second to none!
I am married to my wonderful husband and have two girls. We love the outdoors, gardening and watching movies. I also love digital art and leather crafting when I can. Our faith is a big part of our lives and we are involved in a worldwide volunteer program helping others.
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Lauren
Scheduling Coordinator
I have worked in the dental field since 2020. I came from the Oral Surgery world and have been enjoying working with Elite Orthodontics since February 2023. I love seeing patients get excited when their braces come off and they can see their new smile. Our doctors are helpful, nice and work hard to make our patients and their families happy.
I have a wonderful four year old son, who I absolutely adore. We love to spend time outdoors with our friends and go camping with our family. In my free time I like to cook and read a good book.
Emma
Registered Dental Assistant
I began my orthodontic career with Elite in 2023. I spend the majority of my day helping place, adjust and remove braces. I enjoy getting to know and see our patients' amazing transformations. I love working with the Elite Ortho team!
Outside of work, I spend my time with family and friends. I love being outdoors hiking, kyaking and fishing!
Lauryn
Registered Dental Assistant
I just recently graduated from the Kirkwood Dental Assisting program in 2023. I joined the amazing Elite Orthodontics team right after graduating! Orthodontics has always been an interest of mine. I love seeing patients smiles change and how happy they are with the results. I am typically found in the clinic working with patients, but occasionally you can find me in the lab making retainers.
When I am not at work, I love spending time with my family, friends and my puppy Nala. I enjoy watching movies and TV shows. I look forward to seeing you in our office and the transformation of your smile!