AGE: 35 YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 13
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Cape Girardeau
JOB DESCRIPTION: I am the owner and dentist of a family dental practice.
EDUCATION: I received a B.S. in biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1997, and I received a DDS degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2001.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Network and The Crossing, where I am involved in the New Moms Ministry. I am also a member of the Columbia Dental Society and Columbia Mothers of Multiples, and I am a former officer of both organizations. In addition, I donate dental services to children in need from several community organizations including Rainbow House, Soul House, Granny’s House and King’s Daughters Dental Aid Program.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I became an associate dentist for Dr. Gunilla Murphy in 2001 after my graduation from dental school. In 2006, I purchased the practice from Dr. Murphy, who continues to work for the practice. In February, my practice moved to The Village of Cherry Hill.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Due to the move of my practice to a new location with state-of-the-art equipment, we celebrated the grand opening on March 17. We had around 100 guests attend a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and open house. It was great to have such wonderful community support.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: I admire Darran and Tanya Alberty, pharmacists and part owners of D&H Drugstore. They are a hardworking couple with four children, and they are wonderful at balancing their professional commitments with meaningful family time. Their business is very involved in the community. I strive to emulate their professional and personal success.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I love my profession because at the end of every day, I know that I helped someone have a better life. Having a beautiful smile can change how people feel about themselves. My heart breaks to think of children in dental pain, which is why I donate my services to children in need in our community.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: I really can’t think of another profession that I would like more than dentistry, but I would love to be a stay-at-home mom or work with kids in another capacity.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: The hardest thing I have done in my career so far is moving my business to its new location and updating our dental equipment. It took years of planning, but it has been worth it. I am now working in my dream practice, and I love walking into my new office every day.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Dentistry is a mixture of science and art. Dentists have to enjoy serving others while focusing on the details of their work. It is also a great field for women because there can be flexibility in the schedule to allow for family commitments as well.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to spend time outdoors going camping, skiing, boating and hiking. I also like to relax by reading a good book.
FAMILY: I have been married to Russell Powell since 1998. He stays home with our children and works as office manager for my office. We have 6-year-old twin girls, Hannah and Sarah, who are in kindergarten at Ridgeway Elementary.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: My favorite place in Columbia is Rock Bridge State Park, which is where my husband proposed to me.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: My business was recently nominated for Small Business of the Year, and I am so excited to be nominated. This recognition has been a great confidence boost for me to continue to grow my business.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: I really enjoy traveling. Hawaii and Italy are high on my list of places to visit, and hopefully sometime I will have the opportunity to go.