Dr.Avis Barker is originally from Southern California. She received her Bachelor 's of Science degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette (2003). She completed her dental education and training at the prestigious, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA (2007). Dr.Barker has made Granger, Indiana home for her family and '32 Pearls Family Dentistry'.
She is an active member in many dental organizations: American Dental Association (ADA), Indiana Dental Association (IDA), North Central Dental Society (NCDS), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Mishawaka Dental Society and the 3rd Coast Study Group. She is licensed in the states of Indiana (active) and California (active), requiring many extensive hours of continuing education.
Dr. Barker actively serves Michiana by volunteering her services, education and time to non-profit organizations to help strengthen the community. Dr. Barker has given lectures and served as a keynote speakerfor events andnon-profit organizations. She travels overseas, volunteering on mission trips, sponsors public broadcasting and the local community schools.
Dr.Barker also volunteers her time assisting the federal government and law enforcement with dental forensics. In her spare time she spends time with her family and is a volunteer assistant track and field coach for a local school.
Dr. Barker has a genuine heart and respect for her staff and patients.Sheplanson practicing dentistryin this community into her VERY DISTANT retirement! Dr. Barker and the 32 Pearls Staff sincerely welcome you, as we do family, to your new dental home.
Dr. Barker put a lot of thought into the design of her dental practice in Granger. Her goals included being family friendly, inviting, efficient and up to date. She was able to achieve her desired look for the office, that helps put patients and their families at ease.
Dr.Barker loves staying updated with the latest techniques, the most state of the art equipment and technology. The office goal is to provide quality treatment in the most relaxing environment possible.
Her dedication to both the dental profession and education gave her the motivation to open an independent office. Her desire for state of the art equipment and passion to give back to the community landed her a feature cover story in a very well known dental magazine, PATTERSON TODAY, shortly after opening in 2010. Since then, the office has grown and so has her family.
Jenn joined the 32 Pearls Family Dentistry Team in 2018. She graduated with honors from Lake Michigan College in 2014 with her associates degree in Applied Science and sucessfully passed her boards for Registered Dental Assisting (2014). She has over 10 years experience in the dental field. She began with her dental exposure working in a dental laboratory. She then decided to further her education and become an assistant then expanded functions dental assistant. She is dedicated to the dental field and has proudly chosen dentistry for her career. She currently resides in Southern Michigan with her family. Her daughter and 2 sons attend Edwardsburg schools. She brings a bit of Michigan pride to our office serving Michiana. (picture to come)
Kristy joined the 32 Pearls Family Dentistry Team in 2011. She has been in the dental field for over 18 years. She received her certification in dental assisting and trained in expanded functions at Indiana University, South Bend (1999). She continued her education in dental hygiene at Indiana University, South Bend. Kristy graduated with an Associate's of Science in dental hygiene (2005). Kristy furthered her dental education receiving her Bachelor's degree in Dental hygiene (2011). Kristy is originally from Bremen. She is married with 5 children, 2 grandchildren and she currently resides in Walkerton
Sue joined the 32 Pearls Family Dentistry Team in April 2016. She graduated from Eastern Tennessee State University with her Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene (2011). Sue has been in the dental field for over 10 years. She began as an assistant, receiving her certification from Indiana University, South Bend in Dental Assisting (2006). Sue has previous experience working in offices primarily focusing on children. Her hobbies include baking, crafting with her daughter and swimming.
Jessica joined our 32 Pearls Team in 2018. She graduated from IUSB with a Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene in 2017. Jessica is caring and dedicated to quality. She is very knowledgeable, professional and superb at what she does. She is a mother of two and currently resides in Mishawaka. (picture to come)
Beth joined our 32 Pearls team in January 2019. She has been practicing hygiene in the dental community for many years and is dedicated to providing gentle, quality and personable care. She is a wonderful addition to our team. She is a South Bend native and resides in Michiana with her husband and four children. (picture to come)