MEET THE TEAM
Top talent for your dental needs.
We pride ourselves on having a team of top-caliber dentists, clinical staff and front office team. We use our expertise, skills and warmth to ensure you get a tailor made dental journey.
THE SMILE ARCHITECTS
Meet Your Dental Family
"Our entire team prides itself on providing the most warm, caring and friendly experiences for all of our patients." - Dr. Cooper
Dr. Cooper
Dr. Sydney
Julie E.
Elin
Leaf
April
Gina
Danyel
Julie M.
Sandy
Wendy
Jill
Leah R.
Elin
HygienistElin has been a hygienist since 1997, and working at The Smile Architects since December 2000. “I love working with my fellow employees and getting to know that fantastic patients who come here. I truly enjoy working in the dental industry because I have an opportunity to get to know people and their families.” She enjoys watching them grow over the years and achieving their best health, “…it is a gratifying feeling.” Some interesting facts about Elin, she loves reading and walking, learning about health and caring for her family. She also grew up on a dairy farm.
Danyel
Practice ManagerDanyel has worked at The Smile Architects for 5 years and has been in the dental industry for over 15. “I enjoy engaging our patients and I truly appreciate the people I work with.” Danyel moved to Minnesota from Texas and feels he found his forever home here at The Smile Architects. Some interesting facts about him: “I’m a gamer, love singing, karaoke, home projects, DOGS, my 3 best friends and my close family, enjoy wine tasting and reading. We recently adopted a puppy and named him Perseus.
Julie E.
HygienistJulie has worked at The Smile Architects for 25 years, but has been an The Smile Architects patient herself since 1976. “I enjoy the people I work with and our life long patients. I love that I have the opportunity to care for people of all ages.” Julie enjoys traveling, concerts, Minnesota sports teams, and spending time with family and friends. “I have 3 kids, 2 are young adults, and one teenager, oh and an adorable pup named Peanut.“
Gina
Dental AssistantGina has been working in the dental industry for 12 years. “I have been at The Smile Architects for 6 years and started with Dr. Cooper. Everyone here truly is a family and we are treated as such. I feel this mentality extends to our patients, which makes them patients for life.” Her specialty is helping anxious patients, which she deeply enjoys working with. “Making them feel comfortable and less fearful certainly gives a sense of satisfaction to the workday.” Gina enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Some interesting facts: “I have 3 kids and a pet snake.”
Wendy
Hygiene CoordinatorWendy has worked at The Smile Architects her entire career–33 years! She loves the The Smile Architects patients, and says many of them have been coming here for generations. “My favorite thing about working in dentistry is the lifelong relationships.” Some interesting facts about Wendy are: “I enjoy reading, going for walks, doing pilates. We have a rescue dog named Harper and absolutely love her! I also have 2 adult children named Zach and Emily.”
Jill
Insurance CoordinatorI have worked at the Smile Architects for 18 years. I enjoy working with everyone, they are like my second family. In my free time I enjoy skydiving, playing bingo, wrestling with my cats, and reading romance novels. My family and I enjoy snowmobiling and spending time together.
Stephanie
Dental Treatment CoordinatorStephanie has been with The Smile Architects for 5 years. She enjoys her connections with patients and being part of a team “that feels like family.“ "I love spending time with family and friends, being outside at the cabin, gardening, and playing broom ball in the winter.” She has a son named George and 2 mini bulldogs named Mikko & Stanley.
Sandy
HygienistSandy has worked at The Smile Architects for 38 years. “I have many friends and family that come to The Smile Architects and I am proud to know everyone is obtaining quality care.” Some interesting facts about Sandy: “I love my cabin, enjoy quilting, reading, painting, and entertaining. I also have 2 grand dogs, Rascal & Rocky, and one grand daughter. Officially empty nesters!”
Sheila
Dental AssistantSheila has worked at The Smile Architects for 36 years. “I love it here because of all the wonderful doctors, employees, and patients.” She loves working in dentistry because, “helping patients restore and achieve beautiful smiles leaves a sense of fulfillment.” “I enjoy gardening, fishing, and vacations. Some interesting facts are: first baby grandchild born last year and has 3 grand dogs.”
Rose
Dental AssistantI moved to Minnesota from Seattle for my fiancee’s education program. I absolutely love it here and everyone is genuinely nice. I love trying new foods and spending time with family and friends. I've worked at The Smile Architects for 2 years and truly enjoy everyone here. The best part is having a good time with my co-workers and the wonderful patients.
Leaf
HygienistLeaf has been working in the dental industry for 26 years. “I enjoy working at The Smile Architects because we are a team that works well with one another and I feel the dedication to quality care.” Some interesting facts about Leaf is that she enjoys baking, gardening and driving her kids around. “I also have 1 dog and some chickens.”
April
Dental AssistantApril has worked at The Smile Architects for 2 years and started with Dr. Sydney. She grew up in Cottage Grove and loves working close to home.” I love the family atmosphere and building relationships with patients, many of whom I’ve known for years!" In her free time, she loves to travel, go to concerts, and explore new places with family and friends. Fun fact: she has two dogs, Bear and JoJo.
Julie M.
HygienistJulie has worked in the dental industry for 24 years. “My favorite thing about working at The Smile Architects is that everyone is so friendly and caring. I enjoy developing relationships with patients and helping them maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime.” Some interesting facts about Julie are, “I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children, love camping, scrapbooking, and watching daughters play hockey and softball.”
Leah Riley
Dental AssistantI have been working in the dental industry for 7 years now. Six of those years I specialized in pediatrics. My favorite part of the job is building relationships with patients and getting to know unique things about them. When I am not working, I enjoy visiting my in-laws in Alaska, playing games with my friends, and watching tv with my two cats, Rose and Olive. I am also an avid record collector and I enjoy attending music concerts in the Twin Cities.
Winnie
Hi, I'm Winnie and really love meeting all of our fun patients. If you see me at the office on your next visit, please say hi and give me a hug.
Get in Touch
We’d love to join you on your dental journey.
We’re here to help: 651-459-2387
