Meet Our Team

Sunny

Orthodontic Assistant

Professional:

I graduated from the Dental Assisting school in 2010 and have worked for Dr. Bennion ever since. I really enjoy being an assistant because I get to see the progression in our patient smiles and personality. My favorite thing about working here is being around all my co-workers and getting to know all my patients and their families. We are like family. I feel lucky to be a part of a team who are so caring, knowledgeable and professional.

Personal:

I was married to my husband in 2010 and we have three wonderful kids who keep us busy. I grew up on a Dairy farm on the coast so naturally I love being around animals. My husband and I live on a grass seed farm, so spending time outside driving tractor, driving combine or any large equipment, helping with harvest is one of my favorite things to do with my family.

Stephenie

Orthodontic Assistant

Professional

I was born and raised in Eugene. After graduating from Churchill High School, I received my Dental Assisting degree from LCC. I have worked as an Orthodontic Assistant for over 30 years and have had the privileged of working for Dr. Andy for the past 20 years.

I love orthodontics because it allows me to work one on one with patients. Getting to know the patient and building relationships hopefully makes the time with us more enjoyable.

My favorite thing about working here is the staff and Dr. Andy. We really do enjoy each other, and we have a lot of fun.

Personal

I share my personal time with my husband, two grown daughters, and my pug Rosie. I enjoy gardening, cooking and a good basketball game.

Ruth

Orthodontic Assistant

Professional:

I have wanted to be a dental assistant since I was a young girl. My uncle was a dentist and I loved to go visit him. After I went to college and received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education I taught for a couple of years, but I still had the feeling that I really wanted to be in the dental field. During my last year of teaching I went to visit my uncle for spring break and worked with him in his office. I wanted to make sure assisting was what I still really wanted to do. I loved every minute of it.

So in 2000 I started dental assistant school. After I graduated, I worked in general dentistry for 5 years until my oldest child was born. I then took some time off to be a Mommy. Then in 2013 after our family moved to the Eugene area I started working part time as a dental assistant again and during this time I was able to meet Dr. Andy. I joined Dr. Andy’s team in 2019. I love coming to work each day and being able to work with Dr. Andy, our dental team, and our wonderful patients and watching the changes that happen for each patient as their smiles improve.

Personal:

My early childhood was spent with my family as missionaries in the South Pacific islands. I loved growing up in the sunshine, warmth, snorkeling, and swimming. Then my family moved back to Oregon; when I was in middle school.

Our family moved to the Eugene area in 2012 and we bought country property where when I am not at work, I love spending time outside gardening, driving tractor on our farm, or taking care of our animals. I also enjoy spending time with my family snow skiing and waterskiing every chance we can.

Alex

Orthodontic Assistant

Professional:

I went to school at Lane Community College and graduated with my Dental Assisting Certificate in 2020. I worked in general dentistry for three years and started working for Dr. Bennion in January of 2024. I love working at Dr. Bennions office because it feels like a family and getting to see the smile on patients’ faces when they see the final result of their treatment is the best.

Personal:

I grew up in Springfield and graduated from Thurston High School in 2017.

When I'm not at work I’m usually spending time with friends and family, going on walks with my two dogs, watching football, going to a duck game or watching movies. I love to be outside whether it's sunny, rainy, or snowing!

Jill

Treatment Coordinator

Professional:

I discovered my appreciation for the field of orthodontics in 2001, and jumped at the opportunity to join Team Bennion in 2002. Time does fly when you’re having fun! One of my favorite things about Orthodontics is the positive impact that our work does in the lives of our patients. Seeing their confidence grow as treatment progresses is very rewarding. Being Dr. Bennion’s Treatment Coordinator means I get to be the person who will be guiding you through the process of starting your treatment. It is my goal to ensure your first experience is nothing but the best. I look forward to getting to meet you and your family!

Personal:

Outside of the office I enjoy spending time outside, especially when we get some sun! I am originally from The Big Sky State of Montana so lots of sun and snow. I always get excited (maybe overly excited) when it snows here. My favorite place to be is anywhere my family is. Spending time with my 3 children, daughter-in-law and grandbaby is the best!

Mona

Sterilizer

Professional:

I started working as a sterilizer in 2015. As a youth I had very crooked teeth and always covered my mouth when I smiled because I was so self-conscious. Having braces changed my life and I want everyone to benefit from the confidence that a great smile gives you. I love working at Andy Bennion Orthodontics because the doctor and staff are so wonderful.

Yes, I have braces again. I wanted to take advantage of improved brackets and techniques that weren't available when I was a child. Dr. Andy is always looking for ways to improve and be current on the newest technology.

Personal:

My husband and I have 4 children, a son in law and a 6-year-old granddaughter. Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, doing crafts, playing with my granddaughter, gardening and watching movies with my husband.

Leslie

Sterilizer

Professional:

I have been with Dr Andy’s practice for about 22 years. I love and appreciate all the warm friendships made with the staff and Dr. Andy over the years! At the office I primarily work as a sterilizer and prepare trays for appointments. I am also responsible for pouring models and making Bio star retainers. My work team has been so supportive through the years and I think of my coworkers as friends. As an office we are blessed!

Personal:

My husband David and I have raised 7 wonderful children and 6 of those kids needed braces. Thank you Dr Andy! Because they all have beautiful smiles! I now have grandchildren coming to the office and love seeing their smiles because of Dr. Andy’s amazing skills!

I enjoy snow skiing and road biking. Although not the fastest, I love doing it! I'm always in search of a new good book! Along with playing cards and laughing with friends and family! I am a pretty good cook and boasts at canning the best dill pickles ever!!

Rachel

Financial Coordinator

Professional:

After staying home and raising my four children for 23 years, I had the opportunity to join the Bennion team in 2019. As the Financial Coordinator, you’ll most likely meet me the day your, or your child's, treatment starts, as we go over your contract and payment plan. I love meeting our new patients and getting to know their stories. Many have become very dear friends.

Personal:

I am an Oregonian through and through – born and raised in Portland, then settling in Eugene after attending the U of O and meeting my husband. We married in 1994 and have 3 daughters, 1 son, 1 son-in-law and the cutest rescue dog you’ll ever meet. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love a good prank on unsuspecting coworkers!

As a family we enjoy boating and camping and our favorite: Disneyland. My #1 vacation destination is anywhere there’s sun and sand. I love a good Netflix binge, a “can’t put down” book to read, yummy food, planning parties and an ice cold Dirty Coke!

Merilee

Scheduling Coordinator

Professional:

I had the opportunity to join the Bennion team in the spring of 2021 and have loved getting to work with such a great group of people. I have the fun part of getting to greet all of our wonderful patients as I help with check in and scheduling. I love getting to chit chat and learn more about the unique people that live in our beautiful town, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Dr. Bennion’s office.

Personal:

My husband and I moved to Eugene 28 years ago. We have 4 grown kids, a darling granddaughter, and another on the way. I love hanging out with my family, game nights with Settlers of Catan and chocolate chip cookies. Movies, massages, and vacationing also tend to make me pretty darn happy. I wish I could say I was a little more outdoorsy, but I actually do enjoy a good bike ride and an occasional hike. And I can't not mention my baby Shih tzu "Gus" that my husband says is the love of my life. In fairness, my husband is a close second. That's me in a nutshell!

Kristan

Scheduling Coordinator

Professional:

I grew up in a small town in Nevada. My career in orthodontics started in college when I was trained as a dental and orthodontic assistant. Shortly after that I was married to my husband and we were blessed with our first child. I graduated from BYU with a degree in Exercise science when my daughter was 18 months old. Since then we have been blessed with 4 more children and they are our greatest joy. After 20 years it feels good to be back and working in the dental field!

Personal: 

In my spare time I enjoy exploring new places with my family. I love the outdoors, listening to audiobooks, singing, and love music of all kinds. Exercising keeps me sane and I love going to the gym, running in the rain, and have even taken up mall walking with my friends. I love good food and enjoy trying all the restaurants Eugene has to offer. It’s been so great to be a part of the Bennion team. Being in the front office and getting to know our patients and their families is the best.