Meet the Team

Meet the team behind your smile

Walking into a dental office full of new faces can feel a little uneasy, especially if you're already nervous about your visit. That's why we want you to know exactly who will be caring for you before you ever sit in the chair. For years, our team at J&D Dental in Minneapolis has been building genuine relationships with patients like you, and we want to introduce you to the people who make that possible. Take a few minutes to get to know the faces behind your care, so your next visit feels a little more familiar.

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Group of women smiling on a Minneapolis rooftop

Who greets you and handles your appointments?

Amanda

Patient Care Coordinator

Proud member of the J&D Dental team since 2014 — which means she knows a lot about this place. Amanda graduated from Winona State University in 2009 with a degree in Public Relations, making her especially qualified to sweet-talk the schedule into cooperating. She is efficient, dedicated, detail-oriented, and always ready with a quick-witted comment. Amanda goes above and beyond to accommodate our patients’ scheduling needs and somehow makes the daily game of appointment Tetris look easy. She loves spending time with her husband, family and recently earned one of her favorite new titles as Auntie! When she’s not at the office, you’ll find her running, biking, hiking, or doing just about anything outdoors. New puppy mom to Quinn, who is currently keeping her just as busy as the J&D Dental schedule.
Fun Fact: Sarah and Amanda are sisters — because apparently spending weekends and holidays together wasn’t enough, so they decided to work together too.

Kirstie

Patient Care Coordinator

Member of the J&D Dental team since 2024 and came prepared with over 10 years of experience battling insurance companies — so you don’t have to. She loves helping patients navigate the sometimes-not-so-fun world of dental insurance while building genuine relationships with everyone who walks through our doors. Kirstie is usually powered by a cup of coffee always in her hand, determination, and the fine print of an insurance policy. Outside of the office, you can find her cheering on the Vikings (SKOL!), mini golfing, road-tripping, true-crime marathons or relaxing at the cabin. She loves spending time with her husband, family, and friends…but let’s be honest, her nephew Brooks outranks everyone.
Fun Fact: Natalie is Kirstie’s aunt! Apparently at J&D Dental, hiring one family member at a time just isn’t our style.

Who will be with you during your visit?

Natalie

Licensed Dental Assistant

Dental assistant since 2009, proudly keeping teeth clean-ish and dentists sane-ish ever since. Has been working side-by-side with Dr. Jennifer Herbert since 2014 — at this point, they’ve spent enough time together to qualify as a long-term relationship. Outside the office, she’s a wife and mom to two kids (three if you count her husband), making her a full-time chauffeur, sports spectator, snack distributor, finder of lost things, and keeper of everyone’s schedule. When she’s not running from one kid’s activity to the next, you’ll probably find her in her Etsy shop, making things instead of relaxing like a normal person. Natalie is powered by coffee, chaos, sarcasm, and an alarming ability to multitask.
Fun Fact: Kirstie is Natalie’s niece! Yes, we know. At this point, the J&D Dental family tree probably needs its own page on the website.

Erica

Licensed Dental Assistant

Member of the J&D Dental team since 2024 and quickly became one of those people who makes work way more fun. She graduated from Minneapolis Community and Technical College as a Licensed Dental Assistant in 2015 and brings over 8 years of orthodontic experience to the team. Erica has a talent for making patients feel calm, comfortable, and completely at ease — while somehow keeping everyone around her laughing. She is compassionate, thoughtful, bubbly, funny, and, according to Erica, super cool. (We’ll allow it.). She loves spending time outside with her partner and dogs, Chico and Xochi, along with her friends and family. In her “free time” she runs (half-marathon finisher!), bikes, travels, volunteers, gardens, camps, backpacks, and forages…so apparently sitting still is not a hobby. When fall arrives, Outdoor Erica becomes Cozy Erica — baking, crocheting, making soups, and fully embracing all things fall.
Fun Fact: If you’re ever lost in the woods with a toothache, Erica is probably the J&D Dental team member you want with you.

Who takes care of your cleanings?

Sarah

Licensed Dental Hygienist

A proud member of the J&D Dental family for 14 years — at this point, she basically comes with the building. She loves building genuine relationships with her patients and making sure every visit includes plenty of laughs, smiles, and, of course, very clean teeth. Outside the office, she’s busy spending time with her husband, their new baby boy Calvin, and their two dogs — so “quiet time” is mostly a concept these days. When she finds some free time, she loves traveling, exercising, and hanging out with friends. She’s equally happy canceling all of the above for a nap, a quiet day at home, and a true-crime marathon.
Fun Fact: Sarah and Amanda are sisters! Apparently seeing each other at family gatherings wasn’t enough, so they decided to work together too.

Missy

Licensed Dental Hygienist

Member of the J&D Dental team since 2024, although she’s been part of the extended J&D family for much longer! Missy graduated from Century College as a Licensed Dental Hygienist in 2004, so she definitely knows her way around a scaler. She makes every appointment comfortable, efficient, and fun — because getting your teeth cleaned should be the easiest part of your day. She loves spending time with her husband and children, Lucas and Avery. Missy enjoys knitting, crocheting, and reading…but don’t let the cozy hobbies fool you. She also loves hunting, fishing, and pretty much anything outdoors. Basically, Missy can crochet you a blanket and catch your dinner.
Fun Fact: Missy and Dr. Herbert’s daughters have been best friends since 2012 — apparently the girls decided their moms should work together, too.

Kristen

Licensed Dental Hygienist

Graduated from Herzing University with an AAS in Dental Hygiene in 2009 — she’s been keeping teeth clean and patients smiling ever since. She loves being outdoors with her dogs, golfing, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings — which proves she’s loyal even when it’s difficult. Kristen is the President and Founder of MACC Pack, a nonprofit supporting Minneapolis Animal Care and Control by raising funds for essential supplies, enrichment items, medical equipment, and sponsored adoption fees. She has a huge heart for animals and works tirelessly to help shelter pets receive care beyond what the city budget can provide. When she’s not taking care of teeth, there’s a good chance she’s taking care of something with four legs…or a shell.
Fun Facts: Kristen rescued a yellow-bellied slider turtle named Turducken, and her dog Mayhem is a proud puppy police K9 school dropout. We’re not sure what happened at the academy, and Mayhem isn’t talking.

The pets

Howie

Howie is Dr. Herbert’s 3-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever and living proof that people — and dogs — really can change. As a puppy, Howie was so naughty that he had to be sent away to training to learn how to become a sane, functioning member of society. Thankfully, Howie took his rehabilitation seriously and is now an exceptionally good boy. We don’t talk about his past. These days, he loves walks, treats, soccer games, being with his family, and proudly showing off the manners his family paid good money for. He’s sweet, loyal, well-behaved, and has come a long way from his juvenile delinquent era.
Fun Fact: Howie would like everyone to know that his record has been expunged and he is now a model citizen.

Elsi

Elsi is a 6-year-old Cavapoo and quite possibly the sweetest little thing you’ll ever meet. Technically, Elsi belongs to Kirstie’s sister, making her Kirstie’s niece. Kirstie, however, frequently leaves out that detail and claims Elsi as her own. Custody remains disputed. Her favorite activities include walks, snuggles, giving kisses, being adorable, and getting absolutely anything she wants because…look at that face. Recently promoted to big sister to a new human baby, a responsibility Elsi takes VERY seriously. She loves her new little brother perhaps a little too much and has appointed herself his full-time supervisor, protector, and personal-space invader. Elsi may live at Kirstie’s sister’s house, but according to Kirstie, that’s really just a technicality.

Kayleen & Kaiser

Sarah’s Dogs & Calvin’s New Security Detail

Kayleen

Recently promoted to big sister to baby Calvin, Kayleen has happily accepted the role as long as it doesn’t interfere with her nap schedule.

Kaiser

Kaiser is an 8-year-old German Shepherd whose hobbies include frisbee, running the fence with his neighbor BFF Harley, and alerting the entire neighborhood that the mail has arrived. He loves being wherever his humans are and takes his self-appointed security responsibilities very seriously. Now a proud big brother to Calvin, Kaiser has added “baby patrol” to his already demanding schedule of frisbee, fence running, and protecting the family from the United States Postal Service.

Fun Fact: Calvin may be the newest member of the family, but he joined a household with two very experienced supervisors.

Maggie

Maggie was a beautiful 10-year-old black Lab who never met a person she wasn’t genuinely thrilled to see. She spent nearly every moment of her life with a ball or toy in her mouth — because you never knew when an emergency game of fetch might break out. She loved swimming and firmly believed that leaving the lake was optional. When everyone else got in the boat, Maggie would happily swim circles around it until negotiations began. She greeted everyone with a wagging tail and the kind of pure happiness that made you feel like you were her favorite person in the entire world.
Fun Fact: Maggie’s perfect day was simple: ball, swim, ball, swim, repeat indefinitely She was truly an amazing dog — endlessly happy, endlessly loving, and forever missed.

Evie❤️

Evie spent 14+ years perfecting the art of being the sweetest girl — a title she held effortlessly. Her favorite things were simple: naps, popcorn, string cheese, a cozy spot, and being as close to her people as physically possible. She firmly believed that popcorn should always be shared and that personal space was highly overrated. Evie never asked for much — just a comfy place to sleep, the occasional snack (preferably cheese), and someone nearby to snuggle. She had a special way of making life feel a little softer just by being there. She gave us more than 14 years of unconditional love, comfort, laughs, and memories we’ll always treasure. She wasn’t just a dog. She was family, a best friend, and a piece of our hearts.
Fun Fact: Evie’s idea of a perfect day was a nap, followed by a snack, followed by another nap — and we have to admit, she may have had life figured out better than the rest of us. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever our sweet Evie girl. ❤️

Quinn

AKA Potato, Tater Tot & Quinnebago

Say hello to Quinn, but she also answers to Potato, Tater Tot, Quinnebago, and probably anything else if you’re holding food. She is pretty new around here — her birthday is February 26, 2026 — but she already figured out the important things in life: walks, toys, snuggles, naps, and snacks. Quinn loves playing with her favorite toys and being wherever her people are. Personal space? Never heard of her. She gives excellent kisses, is a world-class snuggle bug, and is already a certified professional napper. She is also NOT a picky eater. In fact, she has yet to meet a food she doesn't believe deserves a chance. Her philosophy is simple: eat first, ask questions never.
Fun Fact: She may be called Potato, but unlike most potatoes, she is extremely fast when she hears a treat bag open.

George, Mayhem & Turducken

Mayhem Ruckus

Police K9 School Dropout

Mayhem is a Czech Working Line German Shepherd who came all the way from the Czech Republic with dreams of becoming a Police K9. Well…Kristen had those dreams. Mayhem did not. At 9 months old, he decided apprehending criminals wasn’t really his passion and flunked out of K9 school. Kristen adopted him instead, and he has been committed to civilian chaos ever since. His hobbies include Kongs, scent work, chasing birds and bunnies, and occasionally creating problems no one knew were possible — like locking Kristen out of her own house at 10 PM. His social circle is extremely exclusive, but somehow includes a Shih Tzu named Norman.
Fun Fact: His full name is Mayhem Ruckus, which in hindsight feels less like a name and more like a warning label.

George

The Island Boy

George is a 12-year-old Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd mix who loves absolutely everyone and assumes the feeling is mutual. Usually, he’s right. His hobbies include napping, loudly sharing his opinions, charming the vet staff, and surfing the kitchen island for unattended snacks. Hence his nickname: The Island Boy. He’s an actual award-winning gentleman, taking home Best in Show AND Best Large Breed at the 2021 Not So Ugly Dog Contest. Please, no autographs. George is also quite the ladies’ man and currently has two Golden Retriever girlfriends, Layla and Dolly. Fun Fact: At 12 years old, George has two girlfriends, a pageant title, and a reputation around town. Honestly, he’s doing better than most of us.

Turducken

Tiny Turtle. Massive Ego.

Turducken is a yellow-bellied slider who caught Kristen’s eye during a MACC board meeting and basically flirted her way into an adoption. Kristen spent the next month researching turtle care, and Turducken spent it patiently waiting for Kristen to realize she had already been chosen.Her favorite activities include swimming, basking under her heat lamp like she’s at an all-inclusive resort, eating shrimp, and judging everyone through the glass.
Fun Fact: She was named Turducken because they met Thanksgiving weekend. She has a 7-inch shell and approximately 47 inches of attitude.

Chico & Xochi

Erica’s Adventure Buddies

Chico

Chico is an extremely friendly, sweet boy who has never met a person he didn’t think owed him a belly rub. He loves hiking, adventures, and stopping approximately every three feet to sniff something very important. His preferred sleeping position is flat on his back with all four legs straight in the air — equal parts adorable and mildly concerning.

Xochi

Xochi is a professional snuggle bug who will find a way to cuddle next to you whether there’s room for her or not. She loves sleeping under blankets, playing with her big brother Chico, and joining him on adventures. She has also developed an unfortunate talent for finding discarded THC gummies on the street — a skill absolutely no one asked her to perfect.

Fun Fact: Together, Chico handles sniffing and belly-rub acquisition, while Xochi specializes in snuggling and finding things she absolutely should not eat.

Howie

Howie is Dr. Herbert’s 3-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever and living proof that people — and dogs — really can change. As a puppy, Howie was so naughty that he had to be sent away to training to learn how to become a sane, functioning member of society. Thankfully, Howie took his rehabilitation seriously and is now an exceptionally good boy. We don’t talk about his past. These days, he loves walks, treats, soccer games, being with his family, and proudly showing off the manners his family paid good money for. He’s sweet, loyal, well-behaved, and has come a long way from his juvenile delinquent era.

Fun Fact: Howie would like everyone to know that his record has been expunged and he is now a model citizen.

Elsi

Elsi is a 6-year-old Cavapoo and quite possibly the sweetest little thing you’ll ever meet. Technically, Elsi belongs to Kirstie’s sister, making her Kirstie’s niece. Kirstie, however, frequently leaves out that detail and claims Elsi as her own. Custody remains disputed. Her favorite activities include walks, snuggles, giving kisses, being adorable, and getting absolutely anything she wants because…look at that face. Recently promoted to big sister to a new human baby, a responsibility Elsi takes VERY seriously. She loves her new little brother perhaps a little too much and has appointed herself his full-time supervisor, protector, and personal-space invader. Elsi may live at Kirstie’s sister’s house, but according to Kirstie, that’s really just a technicality.

Kayleen & Kaiser

Sarah’s Dogs & Calvin’s New Security Detail
‍
‍Kayleen

Kayleen is a 14-year-old mixed-breed lady, with German Shepherd and Border Collie being the best guesses. She’s reached the stage of life where she knows exactly what she likes: sunbathing, napping, snacks, scratches, and absolutely no unnecessary activity. She’s also a big fan of giving kisses — whether you asked for them or not. Recently promoted to big sister to baby Calvin, Kayleen has happily accepted the role as long as it doesn’t interfere with her nap schedule.
‍

Kaiser

Fun Fact: Calvin may be the newest member of the family, but he joined a household with two very experienced supervisors.

Maggie

Maggie was a beautiful 10-year-old black Lab who never met a person she wasn’t genuinely thrilled to see. She spent nearly every moment of her life with a ball or toy in her mouth — because you never knew when an emergency game of fetch might break out. She loved swimming and firmly believed that leaving the lake was optional. When everyone else got in the boat, Maggie would happily swim circles around it until negotiations began. She greeted everyone with a wagging tail and the kind of pure happiness that made you feel like you were her favorite person in the entire world.

Fun Fact: Maggie’s perfect day was simple: ball, swim, ball, swim, repeat indefinitely She was truly an amazing dog — endlessly happy, endlessly loving, and forever missed.

Evie

Evie spent 14+ years perfecting the art of being the sweetest girl — a title she held effortlessly. Her favorite things were simple: naps, popcorn, string cheese, a cozy spot, and being as close to her people as physically possible. She firmly believed that popcorn should always be shared and that personal space was highly overrated. Evie never asked for much — just a comfy place to sleep, the occasional snack (preferably cheese), and someone nearby to snuggle. She had a special way of making life feel a little softer just by being there. She gave us more than 14 years of unconditional love, comfort, laughs, and memories we’ll always treasure. She wasn’t just a dog. She was family, a best friend, and a piece of our hearts.

Fun Fact: Evie’s idea of a perfect day was a nap, followed by a snack, followed by another nap — and we have to admit, she may have had life figured out better than the rest of us. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever our sweet Evie girl. ❤️

Quinn

AKA Potato, Tater Tot & Quinnebago Say hello to Quinn, but she also answers to Potato, Tater Tot, Quinnebago, and probably anything else if you’re holding food. She is pretty new around here — her birthday is February 26, 2026 — but she already figured out the important things in life: walks, toys, snuggles, naps, and snacks. Quinn loves playing with her favorite toys and being wherever her people are. Personal space? Never heard of her. She gives excellent kisses, is a world-class snuggle bug, and is already a certified professional napper. She is also NOT a picky eater. In fact, she has yet to meet a food she doesn't believe deserves a chance. Her philosophy is simple: eat first, ask questions never.

Fun Fact: She may be called Potato, but unlike most potatoes, she is extremely fast when she hears a treat bag open.

George, Mayhem & Turducken

Mayhem Ruckus — Police K9 School Dropout

Fun Fact: His full name is Mayhem Ruckus, which in hindsight feels less like a name and more like a warning label.

George — The Island Boy

George is a 12-year-old Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd mix who loves absolutely everyone and assumes the feeling is mutual. Usually, he’s right. His hobbies include napping, loudly sharing his opinions, charming the vet staff, and surfing the kitchen island for unattended snacks. Hence his nickname: The Island Boy. He’s an actual award-winning gentleman, taking home Best in Show AND Best Large Breed at the 2021 Not So Ugly Dog Contest. Please, no autographs. George is also quite the ladies’ man and currently has two Golden Retriever girlfriends, Layla and Dolly.

Fun Fact: At 12 years old, George has two girlfriends, a pageant title, and a reputation around town. Honestly, he’s doing better than most of us.

Turducken — Tiny Turtle. Massive Ego.

Turducken is a yellow-bellied slider who caught Kristen’s eye during a MACC board meeting and basically flirted her way into an adoption. Kristen spent the next month researching turtle care, and Turducken spent it patiently waiting for Kristen to realize she had already been chosen. Her favorite activities include swimming, basking under her heat lamp like she’s at an all-inclusive resort, eating shrimp, and judging everyone through the glass.

Fun Fact: She was named Turducken because they met Thanksgiving weekend. She has a 7-inch shell and approximately 47 inches of attitude.

Chico & Xochi

Erica’s Adventure Buddies

Chico

Xochi

Xochi is a professional snuggle bug who will find a way to cuddle next to you whether there’s room for her or not. She loves sleeping under blankets, playing with her big brother Chico, and joining him on adventures. She has also developed an unfortunate talent for finding discarded THC gummies on the street — a skill absolutely no one asked her to perfect.

Fun Fact: Together, Chico handles sniffing and belly-rub acquisition, while Xochi specializes in snuggling and finding things she absolutely should not eat.