Meet the Team

Dr. Saffer

Dr. Saffer graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1971. He flew rescue helicopters here at Fairchild AFB, then in California and finally, a tour with the Air Force Reserves in Portland, Oregon while attending the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center Dental School. After graduating in 1984 he re-entered the Air Force as a general dentist and served in clinic positions including Chief of Aeromedical Dentistry, assistant base surgeon and as a dental flight commander. He retired from the Air Force in the grade of Lt. Colonel in 1997. Dr. Saffer loves fly fishing, biking to work, and gardening under the close supervision of his talented wife, Karen.

Dr. Thiel

Dr. Thiel graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1979. She completed the two-year General Dentistry Residency at Wilford Hall Medical center in 1995. Dr. Thiel is a Diplomate of the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry, is Board Certified by the American Board of General Dentistry and a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Thiel retired from the Air Force in the grade of Colonel in 2003 and began private practice here in Spokane. Dr. Thiel enjoys training for and participating in sprint triathlons and playing golf with her husband, Al. They both enjoy spending time with their Golden Retriever, Woody.

Gaylene Haugen: Office Manager

I received my CDA from SCC in 1996 and immediately came to work for Ash & Rowan Family Dentistry. I have two children, Haley and Blaine. We enjoy spending time together with family and friends. I enjoy playing golf and love to travel.

Jennifer Reedy: Front Office Specialist

I received my CDA from SCC in 1991 but have been working in dentistry since 1990. My husband, Eric, daughter, Malia, and dog Scout like to go for long walks, camping, Indian's Baseball games, Chief's hockey games and anything else that involves sports or the outdoors or spending time with family and friends.

Donna Cerar: Dental Assistant

I have been a dental assistant since 1998 and joined Ash & Rowan Family Dentistry in 1999. I am married with two daughters, Jessica and Shawna, a son, Kaleb and a stepson, Nathan. I love fishing, camping, the ocean, and the outdoors in southern Utah. I also work for the nicest people possible.

Jennifer Hinkle: Dental Assistant

I received my training as a dental assistant at Fairchild Air Force Base Red Cross program in 1990. I joined Ash & Rowan Family Dentistry in 1994. My husband, Allen, and I enjoy traveling, golfing, riding bicycles, and playing with our grandchildren. I have been attending Whitworth University since 2006 and I am working toward my Bachelor of Arts in organizational management.

Andrea Short: Registered Dental Hygienist

I received my Associate's of Arts Degree at SCC before transferring into EWU's Dental Hygiene Program, where I earned my B.S. Degree. I came to Ash & Rowan Family Dentistry to fill in for maternity leave in 2004 and came back for a full time position in 2006. My boyfriend, Jacob and I enjoy the outdoors, dirt biking and boating with our dog, Chopper. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Sharon Lemcke: Registered Dental Hygienist

I graduated from EWU Dental Hygiene in 1975 and was married that July after graduation to my husband, Charlie. I worked in private practice in Beaverton, OR while Charlie finished school at Pacific University. Then I worked for the VA Hospital in Vancouver, WA. I taught at Clark College from 1982 to 1988. I have two daughters, Katharine and Emily. I enjoy outdoor sports, especially biking.

Paula Gurney: Registered Dental Hygienist

I graduated from EWU Hygiene school in 2004. I have been with Ash & Rowan Family Dentistry since June 2005. I have been married for 28 years to my husband, Tony. I have 3 children, Stephen, Brent, and Kelsey. In my free time I like to read, quilt, and walk my dogs.

Connie Hearn: Sterilization Assistant

I've been a dental assistant for forty years -Yikes! I enjoy spending 'down' time at our Deer Lake place in the summer. The rest of my spare time is spent with my two grandchildren. I have been married to my husband, Mark for 30 years. Life is good!

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