Dentist - Minden
1702 County Road Suite E
Minden, NV 89423
(775) 782-2799
DENTAL STAFF
Celeste M. Eckerman, D.D.S.
Dr. Eckerman is excited to be practicing dentistry in the Carson Valley. While growing up in Sacramento, she decided to pursue dentistry at 12 years old. In 2007 her dream came true when she graduated from the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry. After moving to South Lake Tahoe she was an associate dentist in a family practice, treated children in a philanthropic mobile dental clinic and started a small private practice. She met her fiancé, Chris McKean, while sailing on Lake Tahoe. The pair moved to the Carson Valley to start a life together and Dr. Eckerman realized her ultimate dream when she acquired Dr. Schopf’s dental office. She looks forward to building relationships with all existing and new patients of the practice. Dr. Eckerman loves outdoor activities, including hiking with her dog Patch (Australian Sheppard), snowboarding, and surfing.
Wendy Auslen Schopf, D.D.S.
Dr. Schopf, a 1987 graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, established this dental practice in 1989 and relocated it to its current location in 2001. After 22 years of dedication to her patients and practice Dr. Schopf handed over the reins to Dr. Eckerman in September 2011. During her years in practice, Dr. Schopf focused her advanced education on acquiring the skills to provide complex rehabilitative and implant dentistry. In 1999, Dr. Schopf began placing dental implants and in 2006 achieved diplomate status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologist. With the transfer of the practice to Dr. Eckerman, Dr. Schopf is enjoying the opportunity to spend more time with her husband, Tony and there animals and enjoy her many hobbies which include, gardening, fishing, music, crafts and travel. She is pleased to continue to be involved in the profession she cares for passionately as she is still available for implant and complex restorative care.
Susan Watkins-Patient Services Coordinator
Susan joined our practice in 1997. She came to us after relocating from Raleigh, North Carolina where she was an administrative assistant for Glaxo Welcome in the dermatology department. We are fortunate to have Susan as part of our team. She does a superb job working with the patients to make them comfortable and welcome in our practice. Her grown daughter, Angie, lives in Florida. Susan loves the beauty of our area and spends many of her weekends hiking and exploring the outdoors with her dog Grizzly.
Mariel Charon-Dental Assistant
Mariel has extensive dental experience. She has been in dental offices around the world, including Los Angeles and Canada. When she joined our dental office in May of 2011, Mariel brought many laboratory skills and a sense of humor matched by no other. Before her travels around the United States and Canada with her husband Thom, Mariel made her home in the Philippines. Her passions are shopping, children and her close relationship with her father.
Jennifer Hiler-Dental Assistant
Jennifer obtained her dental assisting education at Bryman College graduating in 2001. Jennifer is exceptionally personable and has a knack for making beautiful temporaries. She joined us when she moved to the Carson Valley in 2006, relocating her family from the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. She is the proud mother of 3 boys, Cyrus, Jace and Henry. She and her partner, Marc, are busy decorating and landscaping their new home. When time allows they also enjoy movies, camping and exploring Northern Nevada.
Carrie Suessmith-Registered Dental Hygienist
Carrie is a 1993 graduate of the Community College of Southern Nevada Dental Hygiene Program. She originally worked for Dr. Schopf from 1995 to 1997, but then relocated to her native Las Vegas. She returned to us in 2001 when she came back to Northern Nevada. Carrie is married to Todd and in addition to working is busy home-schooling her children, Tim and Samantha. Carrie always makes time in her life to encourage others and is committed to her involvement in her church.
Dena Copeland-Registered Dental Hygienist
Dena graduated from Chabot Community College in Hayward, California in 1996 with her degree in dental hygiene. She moved to the Carson Valley in 1999 and joined us shortly thereafter. She is raising 4 extremely active boys. Always on the go and very athletic, Dena and her husband, Jason, are busy with their new home. She loves to garden, camp, hike, ski, and join the boys in motocross activities.
Shauna Hall-Hygiene Coordinator
Shauna joined our staff in 2006 working for 13 years in customer service for a local manufacturing company. Having moved to Northern Nevada in 1976, Shauna has called our beautiful area home for many years. She is now an empty nester having raised her children Brooklin and John. She and her partner, Mike, spend as many weekends as they can fishing and camping. When she is home Shauna is happy in her backyard garden with her two Teacup Yorkies, Petee and Punkin.
Sandra Lind-Hygiene Assistant and Supply Coordinator
Sandra came to us in 1999 after many years spent in quality control. Although she only works part-time, we can always count on Sandra to pickup loose ends and keep the back office flowing smoothly. She and her husband Craig raised 2 children, Christin and Casey, who have long left the house. Her favorite activity is to be with her 2 adorable granddaughters, Taytum and McKenzie.
