I was raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, graduating from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights in 1980. I attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana for one year, studying Mechanical Engineering. I took two years off from school to do church mission work in Virginia and West Virginia.
Upon returning home, I attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. It was there that I changed my major to Pre-Dentistry. I grew up having family friends who were dentists and enjoyed my conversations with them about their profession. I enjoyed my science classes: anatomy & physiology, biology, and microbiology. I enjoy working with my hands and helping people, I was sure dentistry was a great fit.
I attended and graduated from University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, in 1989. My education at Nebraska was a great one. Immediately following graduation, I worked for two good dentists who helped me learn about the business side of dentistry. One practice was in Topeka, KS, and the other in West Plains, MO.
In 1993, I purchased the dental practice of Dr. Gary Cumiskey near the corner of 4th and Walnut Streets in Pittsburg. By 2000 we had outgrown our facility, so I built our building at our current location at 16th and Broadway Streets. In 2008, we underwent an extensive renovation. I feel our current facility is very inviting and allows me to provide the level of dental care that our family of patients have come to expect. In late 2012, we did an extensive remodel of the treatment area. This has allowed us better serve our patients.
Each year, I attend many hours of continuing dental education courses to stay up to date on the latest procedures and dental materials. I encourage my team to attend these meetings as well. I love dentistry. I find it very rewarding to help our current family of patients to achieve and maintain excellent oral health.
I am married, and we have three childrentwo sons and a daughter. All three attended Pittsburg Community Schools. Our oldest son recently graduated from Pittsburg State University, and is studying at my Alma Mater, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. I have two other sons: one resides in Utah and the other in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Most of my time is spent with family and in the dental practice. When I do have spare time, I enjoy traveling (having been to Aruba, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, as well as many places in the United States), snow skiing, and motorcycle riding. I love yard work and find it very relaxing!
Karen has worked in the dental field for over 30 years and also worked in the medical field before that. She earned her education when attending Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. In our office, Karen works with patients and their insurance providers so she can maximize their dental benefits. Everything she does impacts Mendez Family Dental as she helps fulfill our patients dental needs.
Tammy was born and raised in Pittsburg, attended school at Pittsburg State University, and has worked with our practice since 1998. Tammy works hard to make patients visits a positive and comfortable experience. She enjoys the patients and people she works with.
Kristal uses her education and experience to help provide our patients with the best care possible. In 2010, she graduated from Missouri Southern State University with her Bachelor degree in Health Science and began working for Mendez Family Dental shortly thereafter.
Kristal enjoys helping people have a beautiful smile and educating them about the importance of good oral health and dental hygiene. She loves spending time with her husband and two children. Kristal also enjoys camping, gardening, and watching her kids play sports.
Rachel has worked as a dental assistant and an oral surgeon assistant before graduating from Missouri Southern State University with her degree in Dental Hygiene in 2001. Every day she comes to work is enjoyable because Rachel loves what she does.
Rachel enjoys meeting and treating the patients who visit Mendez Family Dental for dental care. She is married and has two children. Watching her kids play sports and participate in other activities is one of Rachels hobbies. She also enjoys playing softball, painting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Shari is the smiling face who greets you as you walk into our office. She has been working with our practice since 1993 and enjoys the relationships she has developed with our patients. Shari attended Portland State University to earn her Bachelor degree in Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education.
Tonya has been working in the dental field since 1987. She worked as a dental assistant for over eight years before going to Missouri Southern State University (Go Lions!) to graduate with her degree in Dental Hygiene. She loves how balanced Dr. Albert Mendez is and being part of a team that treats each other and our patients well.
Tonya helps our hygienist successfully keep up with our schedule. She has been happily married for 25 years and has two children. Tonya would love to have time for hobbies, but those will have to wait until her kids graduate.
Marilyn has worked as a dental assistant for over 30 years and earned an EFDA (expanded function dental assistant) certificate from the state of Missouri. She also uses her skills to work part-time as an assistant at an oral surgery office.
Marilyn enjoys being part of a team that provides optimum dental care for our patients. She is married and has a son and a daughter. Some of Marilyns hobbies include reading, antiquing, gardening, sewing, and fishing.