Following stints as a traveler/wanderer, factory worker, bus driver, window washer, and handyman, among others, Dr. Stucky received his nursing degree from Hesston College in 1983. He then moved to Missoula, Montana, and worked as an RN and met his bride, Tamara during the night shift at St. Patrick Hospital.
In 1987, the newlyweds moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Dr. Stucky attended the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1991. During those years in Lincoln, the couple had their first two children, Ian and Erik.
Following his graduation, the young family moved to northern Idaho, where Dr. Stucky was commissioned as an officer in the United States Public Health Service, serving the Nez Perce Indian community as their tribal dentist. During that time, the family added its final two members, Emily and Eben.
In 1995, Dr. Stucky separated from the commissioned corps, and the family moved to Montrose, Colorado, where he established his current private practice of Joe C. Stucky, DDS (d.b.a. Soft Touch Dental Care).
Since her doctoral studies,Dr. Schafer has received advanced training in oral surgery, endodontics, Invisalign,anddental implants through continuing education courses and working alongside her incredible mentors.A firm believer in lifelong learning, she is always seizing opportunities to advance her clinical skills and better serve her patients.
Dr. Chelsea Schafer was born and raised in Indiana, alongside her family of seven andGoldenRetriever, Murphy. Growing up, she kept busy with show choir,babysitting, readingHarry Potter, and working at thelocal coffee shop after school.While studying at Ball State University, Dr. Shafer performedwith theBSUSingers andvocalquintet, Cardinal Five. In dental school, shecontinued her love for music alongside her studies and became a founding member of theCappellagroup, Vertical Dimension.
Colorado has quickly stolen Dr. Schafers heart, and she isblessedto call the western slope her new home.She enjoysreading outside, trips on the RZR, paddleboarding,playing board games with friends andfamily,andquietmovie nights at home.Now that shes settled,Dr. Schaferis eager to get back into horseback riding and learn the drums.She and her husband, Cole, live in Montrose with their Bernese Mountain Dog, Riggins.
Dr. Schafer is proud to join Dr. Stucky and his fantastic team.She looks forward to serving the people of her community by providing the same high-quality dental carethey havecome to know and expect from Soft Touch Dentistry.