I love pediatric dentistry because it continually gives me the opportunity to help children shape and strengthen their health and their future. This is an exceptionally positive and inspiring reason for me to go to work each day. As a child and young adult, I was guided by my pediatric dentist, both personally and professionally, and I have seen the difference that those early experiences can make.

I feel very fortunate to have received an education that instills confidence in my patients, in my team, and in me. I grew up in Santa Rosa, California, and left high school early to attend Bard College at Simons Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I completed my Bachelor of Music in classical saxophone performance at Oberlin College in Ohio.

I worked as a pilot for Continental Express Airlines for several years before starting dental school at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where I eventually received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

I had incredibly rewarding and valuable experiences during my specialty residency in pediatric dentistry at the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, where I served as the chief dental resident. I received comprehensive experience and training in the treatment of children with complex medical concerns, use of sedative medications, and treatment of children in the operating room under general anesthesia.

I feel very lucky to have been a faculty member at the University of Minnesota Pediatric Dental Residency program, where I helped to develop the sedation curriculum. Guiding new pediatric dentists as they learn and excel not only brings me a great deal of joy, but provides me the opportunity to improve as well, all the while fostering connections within the dental community.

I strive to build my practice as a representation of community, health, and lifelong learning. An essential part of that goal, and a central focus of my professional journey, is always to learn new ways of providing the very best and most comfortable experiences we can for our patients.

To that end, I seek out many educational opportunities through active membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, and Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

I live in Wayzata with my wife Miranda and our young children, Mary Jane and Isla. We enjoy spending time outdoors in all seasons and visiting family. We love being a part of the Wayzata community. When I have time, I enjoy running and skiing. My favorite place to visit is Yosemite National Park because of its beautiful, relaxing scenery and the clear opportunity to see the world from a new perspective.

We recognize that all our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

Brenda has been married to her husband Scott for more than twenty years. They have three boys Adam, Collin, and Justin all of whom keep them very busy, and a dog named Emily. Brenda loves spending time outside, camping, and flower gardening. Cooking is one of her great passions, and she loves to farm!

Cynthia assists Dr. Stephens with preventive care and procedures. She loves working with children, especially helping them to be calm and comfortable. Cynthia enjoys that our team works so well together to make the dental experience fun and positive for every child we meet.

When shes not at work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Tim enjoy watching their daughter Claire participate in her love of sports. As a family, they enjoy being active outdoors, biking, running, and playing sports.

Kim loves children! She has been working in the dental field for nearly a quarter century. Her role at Tailwind allows her to interact with both parents and their children. Kim enjoys seeing a child that, at first, was scared to get his or her teeth cleaned, but ended up having a great time in our office. We all work together like family here, and Kim is a very special part of it.

Nichole joined our practice in 2009. Her focus is preventive care and assisting with procedures. Her favorite part of dental assisting is hearing the childrens creative stories and witnessing a child who is nervous end up having a great time! She loves working with the Tailwind team because they are always smiling and having fun together.

Tammy has been with our practice since 2002 and has been in the dental field since 1990. She has experience with all aspects of pediatric dentistry, including assisting with procedures, placing fillings, and preventive care. She enjoys the challenge of working with children who think they can't do it, and helping them through the procedures so they can do it! She especially enjoys working with children with autism.

Becky has been with our office on and off since 2002 when she graduated from Saint Cloud Technical College with her AAS degree in Dental Assisting. Her cheerful attitude and friendly smile do wonders to help our patients overcome their fears about dental visits. Becky loves getting to know our patients and their families, and seeing them grow and catch up every six months!

Becky and her husband Jason have been married for 18 years. They have two boys, Josh and Brady. The family lives in Minnetrista with their two Labrador retrievers Luna and Gracie, barn cat Tishka, and multiple chickens. Becky loves spending the winter months watching her boys play hockey and summers outside on the lake or gardening. She also loves traveling when she has the time.

Monica, her husband, and daughter live in St Louis Park. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family. They also have a cat named Fernando who is very friendly and comes running to the door as soon as he hears a knock!

Kim is a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant with experience working in oral surgery before joining the Tailwind team. With a friendly demeanor and gentle hands, Kims goal is to make every childs dental visit a fun and happy experience.

Kim and her husband Joshua have two sons, Kolten and Maddox, and a dog named Bandit. They enjoy several outdoor activities including camping, boating, hiking, and trips to new places with their camper and ATVs. The boys are very active in racing BMX bikes in the spring summer and fall. They are also involved in their church youth program.

Tailwind Pediatric Dentistry has a reputation for offering comprehensive pediatric dental care in a friendly, inviting, and professional environment. When you visit our practice, youre not just another smile; youre family!