Meet the Staff

APRIL HECKENDORF

Office Manager

April graduated from Lake Washington Technical College as a registered dental assistant in 1998. She assisted for three years before finding her love of the front desk. The part of her job she enjoys the most is getting to know you and helping you get the smile that makes you smile. With her knowledge of front and back office she is able to expertly explain to you your dental needs as well as help you understand your insurance and financing.

April started with us in 2011 managing our Mount Vernon location; in 2020 she also became manager of our Bellingham location. She has spent many years growing relationships with our patients in Mount Vernon and looks forward to doing the same in Bellingham.

When April is not working, she enjoys time with her husband, two boys and her dog Molly. Traveling is by far her favorite thing to do whether it be or somewhere entirely new, a crazy RV road trip or an impromptu trip to her favorite place to relax, Chelan, she loves the adventure that comes with traveling. She also loves camping, sunshine filled days on the lake, music, walks with her dog Molly and time with her friends around the bonfire.

CARRI JOHNSON

Patient Coordinator

Carri graduated from Bates Technical College with an Associate Degree in Dental Technology as well as her transfer degree in 2000. Since then, she has worked as a dental assistant and in the front office; which gives her the knowledge to confidently explain not only your treatment needs but the financial part as well. She has worked in several dental specialties and has also taught at a local dental assisting school. She loves working in the dental field, her favorite part of dental is working with you and helping you to achieve the smile that you have always wanted. She started with us in 2017 at our Mount Vernon office then transitioned to our Bellingham office in 2020. Carri likes to say Diamond Dental has quickly become her second family.

She grew up in the Bellingham area, she also lived in Montana for a few years. After returning to the Bellingham area, she met and married her husband. She and her husband have three adult-ish kids that they love doing outdoor activities with like hiking, camping and kayaking. She also loves riding her motorcycle whether it be her Harley or her Dual Sport and travels whenever she gets the chance. We absolutely love having Carri as part of our family!

BRIENN CARPENTER

Hygienist

Brienn is a hygienist who joined us in July 2019. She is a Bellingham native and a graduate of Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA, 2017. Brienn is passionate about hygiene and most enjoys interpersonal relationships as well as patient education and helping patients feel at ease. When Brienn is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her pets and exploring the hiking trails that Bellingham and the surrounding areas have to offer.

BRITTANY HOLDEN

Lead Dental Assistant

Brittany is lead assistant and back-office manager of both our Mount Vernon and our Bellingham locations. She started her dental career at the age of sixteen by volunteering at Community Health Center of Federal Way. After her volunteer work and training she accepted a full-time position with Community Health and worked with them for four years. She moved to Skagit County in 2011 and began her career here with us. Since beginning with us Brittany has become extremely knowledgeable in many areas of the dental field. In addition to general dentistry she is also skilled in orthodontics, implants and all on 4 surgeries. We are so pleased to have such a knowledgeable, versatile staff member.

Outside work Brittany enjoys spending time on her farm with her husband, 2 kids and her dogs Ruby and Goose. When she is not doing projects around the house you will find her cheering on her kids at their go kart races, riding quads and enjoying outdoor activities like camping, hiking, riding bikes and floating on a river. She also has a small business growing hanging flower baskets. Brittany is just as versatile in her personal life as she is in her professional one.

SARA McGibbon

Dental Assistant

Sara started her dental career in 2020 and has been passionate about dental ever since. Sara attended a dental assisting program here in Bellingham and then started working with us as an assistant soon after. Diamond Dental has become a second home and has helped expand her knowledge about your dental needs. Sara is very passionate about orthodontics and enjoys helping patients navigate their orthodontic journey.

Julio Ortiz

Dental Assistant

Julio Ortiz has been working in dental for 2 ½ years, and more recently came to Diamond Dental as a dental assistant. His compassionate nature inspired him to find work in a field where he could help people, particularly those struggling with their health and their confidence. Around the office, Julio is an encouragement to his fellow staff and to the patients, always ready with a thoughtful compliment and a word of advice.

Outside of work, Julio enjoys the outdoors: he loves hiking, particularly on Mt. Baker and through the Chuckanut region. He loves to spend time with his family – his parents and 2 sisters – and his lovable Dachshund, Peanut.

BRIELLE FORD

Dental Assistant

Brielle attended the Dental Assisting program at Bellingham Technical College where she graduated as a registered dental assistant with an associates in applied sciences. She joined us in October of 2020, shortly after graduating. What she loves most about her job is meeting people from all walks of life.

Brielle is a native to Whatcom County and loves all the outdoor activities and beauty it has to offer. She has a Labrador Retriever named Drake who is a great adventure companion. Her favorite things to do are camping and going on walks with Drake!

Jordyn Sheridan

Office Receptionist

Jordyn is our Bellingham office receptionist. She joined our team in the beginning of 2023 and has been in the Dental field for just over 2 years now. Working in the front office has helped her gain confidence in her social skills. She loves getting to help each and every patient that walks in our doors or calls our phone! She was born and raised in Mount Vernon WA, she graduated from MVHS in 2018 and from Skagit Valley College in 2021.

When Jordyn is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, whether it be driving overnight to a different state for a concert with her friends or spending her Friday and Saturday nights at Deming and Skagit Speedway with her boyfriend! She loves coming home and cuddling with her dogs Nala and Flynn.

Paula Alvarado

Office Staff

Paula grew up locally in Whatcom and Skagit Valley areas. She originally joined our office back in August of 2018 at our Bellingham location before moving away to Alabama, in November of 2019, to help out in missionary work. She then moved back, and we gladly took her back on in January of 2024. She grew up knowing that she wanted to have a career where she could help people. Since then she has worked in the healthcare field for over 10 years, 6 of those have been dedicated solely to the dental field. She is very passionate about patient care and making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed when walking into the office.

When Paula isn’t in the office she likes to spend her time with family and friends. Going on road trips, trying different foods or things and cooking are some other things she likes to do in her spare time.

Marilu Bernal

Insurance Coordinator

Marilu has been working in the dental field for 17 years. She started working in Texas at her first dental clinic in 2003 as an administrative assistant. In 2020 she and her husband moved to Washington as newly empty nesters looking for a change of scenery. She began working at Diamond Dental as insurance coordinator and loves being able to help patients with treatment plans and making connections with our Spanish speaking families. Marilu has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren and 2 dogs that she loves very much. She loves Washington’s weather and enjoys being outdoors. She also enjoys reading and knitting in her spare time.