Meet Our Team

Shannon has spent the past 18 years of her dental career in periodontics before joining Dr. Kirkegaard’s office. She worked as an assistant before going to dental hygiene school at JCCC in 2006.

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As a dental hygienist, Shannon is committed to attention to detail, patient education and comfort at each dental appointment. She enjoys each day with the team and projects that on the patient’s experience.

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In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her daughter, Cassidy. She also enjoys running and riding her jumper mare, Ora.

Lauren originally met Dr. K in high school P.E. class in 2006, they got married in 2014 and have always had the dream to work together and do life together. After she completed her bachelor's degree in Accounting at the University of Kansas she followed Dr. K to Chicago while he completed his DMD. She has worked in Corporate Accounting for 10 years before starting at The Art of Dentistry. She will continue to use her accounting background to fill the role as office Business Manager. 

When Lauren isn’t in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family including their daughters Khloe and Emily, cat Sushi, and dog Ivy.

Karima is originally from Algeria. She has a Bachelor’s degree in French Literature and was a French teacher in Algeria. She moved to the United States with her family in 2012. Karima graduated Dental Assisting school in 2016.  She has been working as a Dental Assistant in general dentistry for over 7 years now. Karima loves interacting and connecting with the patients and working for an office where the whole team is professional and caring.

When she is not at work she likes to bake, read, and spend time with her husband and their 3 children.  

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Alecea, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, has spent the last five years living across Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in French and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science at the University of South Florida, with plans to continue her education and obtain a Master of Science degree. Alecea got her start in the dental field through shadowing experience in multiple fields of dentistry, which deepened her interest in healthcare.

In her free time, Alecea enjoys creating music, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is also passionate about coaching cheerleading and loves spending time with her pet bunny, Dior.

Carrie grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas and moved to Overland Park, Kansas in June of 2024. She graduated in May of 2024 from Colby Community College with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. Carrie chose dental hygiene because as a kid she didn’t have access to dental care and values the importance of oral hygiene. She loves working in a small private practice where you’re treated like family.

When she’s not at the office she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends. She loves movies, the outdoors, and eating cinnamon rolls.

Casey grew up in Seneca, KS but now lives in Kansas City where she is currently working on her prerequisites for nursing school and is excited to start this new chapter in her career. Casey is passionate about helping others and eager to make a difference in healthcare, which is why she chose to work in the dental industry. When she is not in the office Casey enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading any good thriller book, and shopping.

Ivy is our in office Therapy dog and official team morale booster. Her biggest mission is to reduce your anxiety at the dental office and provide an uplifting spirit to make your visit the best – extra licks included!

Ivy is a standard poodle who was born in November 2021. She was awarded her Canine Good Citizenship Certification for her exemplary disposition and obedience. She is also certified through Mo-Kan Pet Partners® as a therapy animal. She is always learning new ways to improve your experience here at the office. She is often caught sleeping on the job.

Ivy loves working at an office where she gets to meet new smiling faces every day and be with a team that spoils her often!

When Ivy is not at work, she enjoys time at home with Dr. K and his family. Dr. K and her are avid running buddies and she can never pass up a game of fetch. She enjoys every outing and adventure that she can tag along on including going out to local restaurants on the patio and finding new parks to play at with her human sisters Khloe and Emily.

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