It is with great honor that I have been given the opportunity to continue the care that Dr. Michael Justice has so diligently provided to the community of Asheville over the last 40 years. His patients have grown accustomed to unmatched service, integrity, professionalism, and excellence from himself and his staff and it is my goal to ensure that all of these values are maintained and held at the highest importance. Id love to share with you about my familys road to Asheville. We couldnt be more excited to call this place home.

I was born and raised in Spartanburg, SC. Early in age and throughout my time growing up it was instilled in me to serve those around me in whatever way I was able. This included opportunities to be involved in short-term mission trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and various local community service efforts.

I completed my Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences at Clemson University. During this time, I was involved as a team leader for a high school ministry known as Young Life. I also became an even more avid Clemson Football fan than I already was. From there, I worked in the Microbiology field for a reputable vitamin and pharmaceutical manufacturer until I started my journey through dental school. I attended Dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC where I soaked up as much dental knowledge and experience as I could. I volunteered on a weekly basis at the East Cooper Community Outreach center providing free dental care and extractions to those in need of assistance. I was also able to aid in others dental needs in Uganda, Africa, La Gonaives, Haiti, and Quito, Ecuador through an outreach program named Dental Community Outreach based in Charleston. These experiences really helped to shape my outlook on life and dentistry today.

It was in Charleston, that I met my wife Kelley, a nurse in labor and delivery, who is originally from Atlanta, GA. After getting married and graduating from dental school, I had the desire to continue my education by completing a one year General Practice Residency at the George E. Wahlen Dept. of Veterans Affairs Dental Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT. It was an adventure to move across the country with Kelley, and we both knew we would grow tremendously from this experience. One year turned into three as we stayed in Utah to continue to build on relationships that we made that first year as well as for me to pursue an opportunity to provide dental care as an associate dentist in a private practice in Park City, UT. Not to mention, we were blessed to have our first child, Vivian, during that time. The experience there helped solidify and translate my education into practice. Utah will always be a special place for us.

Why Asheville, NC? Thats a great question. Not long after having Vivian, we had the desire to return home closer to our family. Both of Kelleys sisters and our brother in laws had made Asheville home quite some time ago and with both of our parents in Spartanburg and Atlanta respectively, Vivian gets to grow up with her Familys love close by. Weve grown to love being in the mountains and in a town that offers great food and great culture. Asheville couldnt be a better place for us to be!

My participation as an active member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Buncombe County Dental Society, Christian Medical and Dental Association, and local Asheville Spear Institute Study Club have allowed me to develop close knit relationships with many dental and medical professionals in the community as well as continue my education in the field of dentistry. All of these experiences have been a priority in order to provide the most complete, up to date, collaborative and efficient dental care to our patients. I look forward to serving you and your families.

Karen has been a long time team member of the practice. She received her B.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She loves working with people and believes patients should be treated like family. Outside ofwork, she enjoysher family. She is marriedwith two step children and four step granddaughters. She also enjoys golf and following UNCTarheel Sports. Karen is also a lover of all animals, especially cats!

Kaitlyn is a graduate of Horry-Georgetown Technical College with her degree in Dental Hygiene and certificate in dental assisting. She has been working in the dental field since 2009. She got her start in Myrtle Beach, SC and relocated to Asheville in 2016. Kaitlyn loves what she does and hopes to make every patient feel like family. In her spare time, Kaitlyn likes to explore the area and enjoys her love of the sport fencing as much as possible.

Kaleigh graduated from Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College with an Associate in Medical Office Administration. Being the newest member of our practice, she loves her new profession as a dental assistant. Her goal is to make every patient feel comfortable during any dental procedures while in our office. Kaleigh has lived in Asheville her whole life, and is excited as shes getting married in the summer of 2017. She loves being with her friends and family, and serving in her church where shes involved in many areas.

Nikki is so excited to have joined the Caruso Dental team! She is an Asheville native and graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Health Sciences. She (of course) is an avid Clemson fan- Go Tigers! Nikki has been in the dental field for 12 years. She is married to her husband Nick, and they have 3 boys Waylon, Mason, and Beau, that keep her on her toes! She loves to run, hike, garden, and read.