Staff
Dr. Samantha Klassen
Owner/Dentist
Dr. Samantha Klassen graduated from the University of Manitoba receiving her Bachelor of Science, Microbiology Major in 1995 and her Doctor of Medical Dentistry in 1999. She has completed her Certificate of Advanced Program in Orthodontics and her Certificate in Comprehensive Implant Treatment Planning and Prosthetics.
During her years of University she received several awards including: Dr. William Bloom Prize for highest overall average in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Joseph Freeman Memorial Prize for highest standing in Oral Surgery, Dr. M.H. Garvin Prize in Periodontology and the Dr. Jack King Memorial Scholarship for highest standing in Periodontology, Oral Diagnosis and Radiology.
Dr. Klassen is committed to providing quality dentistry in a caring and compassionate manner. She places a high priority on continuing education to stay current with all of the latest advances in dentistry. Dr. Klassen enjoys all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on orthodontics. Dr. Klassen has hospital priviledges and is able to provide hospital based dental care with general anaesthesia for children and special needs individuals. When not at work Dr. Klassen enjoys travelling, reading, cooking and spending time with her husband and two children.
Dr. Elena Maria Ferrer
Dentist
Dr. Elena Maria Ferrer graduated from the University of Manitoba, receiving her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in 2007, and both her Bachelor of Science degree in Dentistry (BSc (Dent)) and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2011.
During her years in school she received several awards including the Dr. R.E. Jordan and Dr. M. Suzuki Award in Operative Dentistry, the American Association of Endodontists Award (highest standing in endodontics), the Dr. M.H. Garvin Prize in Periodontology (highest scholastic achievement in periodontology, displayed conscientious concern of the care of patients, and gives promise of displaying a high level of professional responsibility), and the American Academy of Oral Medicine Award (outstanding in the field of diagnosis and radiology). She was also nominated by her classmates for the Dr. C Lekic Caring Award. Dr. Ferrer made the Dean's Honour List in her final year of dental school.
Following graduation Dr. Ferrer moved to Winkler Manitoba and has been happily practicing within the community at the Winkler Dental Clinic.
Dr. Ferrer grew up in Calgary Alberta where she was a member of the Alberta Ballet School of Dance and earned her grade 8 certificate in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
When she is not in the clinic, you can find her out and about as she loves outdoor activities including, biking, swimming and snowboarding.
Dr. Jenna Yusishen
Dentist
Dr. Yusishen grew up in St. Andrews, Manitoba. She studied biochemistry at the University of Winnipeg before graduating from the University of Manitoba with her Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011.
Upon graduation, Dr. Yusishen moved to British Columbia where she worked both in a private practice clinic and was also a clinical instructor at Vancouver Island University.
In May 2012 Dr. Yusishen moved back home to Manitoba and has been practicing at Winkler Dental Clinic since.
Jenna takes pride in providing individualized, quality and empathetic care to each of her patients. She is known for her warm and outgoing personality and was recognized with the Dr. Francis Matiowsky Memorial Award in 2011, which is awarded for a senior dental student with an outstanding concern for patients.
In her spare time Dr. Yusishen enjoys travelling, spending time at the lake, camping and enjoying time with her family, friends and dog Kacie.
Dr. Lucy Yan
Dentist
Dr. Lucy Yan graduated from the University of Manitoba receiving her Bachelor of Science, Microbiology Major in 2008 and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2012. She graduated on the Dean's Honour list in her last two years of dental school.
Before entering dental school Dr. Yan worked as a research assistant at the University of Manitoba Department of Immunology and at St. Boniface research centre.
Following graduation Dr. Yan moved to Winkler and has been practicing dentistry at Winkler Dental ever since. Her remarkable work ethic and charismatic personality has proven her to be a tremendous asset to the practice.
During her free time Dr. Yan enjoys cooking for her friends and family, travelling and spending time with her two dogs Chopstick and Sunny.
Nicole Walske
Office Manager
Dental Assistant
Nicole Walske is a graduate of Keewatin Community College Dental Assisting Program with honors and was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Award for her graduating class. She is a member of the CDAA and MDAA.
Nicole joined the Winkler Dental Clinic in July 1998. In 2000 Nicole returned to Red River College to obtain her Orthodontic Module. She has also completed Orthodontic Practice Management, Dental Management 101 and many other continuing education courses and seminars in order to remain current with new technology and research in dentistry.
Although Nicole loved her role as a Dental Assistant in the practice and utilizing her orthodontic skills she has recently taken on the role of Office Manager. While still able to utilize her knowledge and skills to enhance the skills of other staff she is enjoying the challenges and opportunity that Office Management has given her. Nicole loves working at the Winkler Dental Clinic with such a fabulous dental team.
Nicole lives south west of Morden with her husband Cory, and their three boys, Mack, Zack and Mitch. She enjoys being involved in the extracurricular activities of her boys and serves as Treasurer for Morden Minor Hockey. When not at work Nicole enjoys watching hockey, camping, gardening, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Jennifer Gates
Dental Hygienist
Jennifer Gates is a long time rural Manitoba resident. She graduated with a diploma from the University of Manitoba, School of Dental Hygiene in 2001. Having completed her National Dental Hygiene Certification Board exam, she began to work at a private practice in Winnipeg. After working there for about a year and missing rural living, she came to Winkler Dental in 2002 and has been here ever since. Jennifer brings along extended practice in orthodontics and local anesthesia to Winkler Dental which has proven to be an asset in the office. She is an active member of the Canadian Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) as well as the Manitoba Dental Hygienists' Association (MDHA) and has served on the executive board of the MDHA in the past. Jennifer has remained dedicated over the years in participating in various continuing education courses and seminars to keep up to date with the latest trends and research.
Since her time at Winkler Dental, Jennifer married her husband Randy in 2003 and they have 2 children, their son Ryler(born in 2008) and their daughter Dani (born in 2010). Besides keeping busy with daily family life, Jennifer enjoys cooking and entertaining, being active, and loves a good comedy! She is a caring professional who feels so lucky to be a part of a great team.
Katie Wakunick
Dental Hygienist
Katie grew up in Welland, ON where she graduated from Niagara College with an Honours Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2009. Prior to that, she completed a certificate in Dental Assisting Levels I and II in 2008. Katie moved to Manitoba in 2010 to join the Winkler Dental Clinic team. She is a member of the CDHM and CDHA and has taken continuing education courses throughout her years of practice.
When she is not working, she enjoys golfing, travelling and spending time with friends and family.
Carmen Wheeler
Dental Hygienist
After graduating from the University Of Manitoba School Of Dental Hygiene in 1991, Carmen moved to the Morden/Winkler area. She joined the Winkler Dental Clinic team in 2010.
She is an active member of the CDHM and CDHA. Carmen brings extensive clinical experience to the practice and has a keen interest in her patients.
Carmen lives in Morden with her husband and 2 children. She spends most of her free time at the hockey rink with her son or the dance studio with her daughter. Her family also enjoys time spent outdoors on the lake near the Whiteshell where Carmen grew up.
Colleen Flook
Dental Hygienist
Colleen graduated from the University Of Manitoba School Of Dental Hygiene in 2002 and joined the Winkler Dental Clinic in February 2008. She is an active member of the CDHA and CDHM.
Colleen was born and raised in Winnipeg but loves living in the Pembina Valley.
She enjoys yoga classes, watching comedies and chick flicks and spending time with her growing family.
Shelley Froese
Dental Hygienist
Shelley Froese is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene in 2006 with her certificates in Orthodontics and Local Anesthetic. After graduation, she moved back to Winkler and has been working at the Winkler Dental Clinic since June 2006. She enjoys being able to serve family, friends, and new acquaintances in her community.
Shelley is registered with the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba and a member of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.
She enjoys spending time with her husband Randy and daughter Isabella.
Sarah Keller
Dental Hygienist
Sarah graduated with a diploma in Dental Hygiene from Niagara College in 2009. After working in Guelph, ON for three years decided to make the move to Southern Manitoba and joined the Winkler Dental Clinic in May of 2012. She is an active member of the CDHM and CDHA and attends many continuing education courses to keep up with the latest dental research.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys playing baseball, reading, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Kristen Rempel
Dental Assistant
Kris has been a part of the Winkler Dental Clinic team for over 7 years. She started working as a receptionist, then in 2008 decided to go to college to obtain her Dental Assisting Diploma.
She enjoys spending time with her 2 year old son and husband.
Felicia Klassen
Dental Assistant
Felicia graduated from Red River College in 2008 with honours. She joined the Winkler Dental Clinic team in 2010 as a Phase II Registered Dental Assistant. Felicia obtained her Orthodontic Module in 2011. Felicia maintains her knowledge in the dental field by attending continuing education courses and seminars.
In her free time she loves to be outside soaking up the rays and spending time with her family. Felicia and her husband love to travel and love to watch The Office.
Jenilee Goertzen
Dental Assistant
Jenilee received her Phase II Dental Assisting Diploma from Red River College in June 2010. After one year of employment she returned to obtain her Orthodontic Module in 2011. Jenilee has worked at the Winkler Dental Clinic since June 2010.
When not at work she loves to be outdoors or in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Peters
Dental Assistant
Nikki Peters joined the Winkler Dental Clinic team in September 2011. She graduated from Red River College with her Phase II Dental Assisting in October 2008. She keeps up to date in dentistry by attending continuing education courses and seminars.
Outside of the dental office Nikki loves to spend time with her family, be active, read and be outdoors.
Kayla Froese
Dental Assistant
Kayla graduated from the Red River College Level II Dental Assisting Program in June of 2011. Following graduation, Kayla along with other classmates ventured to Guatemala to assist in the practice of dentistry for those who are less fortunate. Kayla joined the Winkler Dental Clinic team in July of 2011.
Kayla enjoys helping others in any way that she can. When she is not working Kayla enjoys spending time hanging out with friends, curling and playing baseball.
Esther Funk
Dental Assistant
Esther graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Red River College in June 2011. Following completion of the program, Esther travelled to Guatemala on a medical mission trip where she applied her newly acquired dental assisting skills to help others in need. She joined the Winkler Dental Clinic team in July of 2011.
Originally from Germany, Esther's first language is High German and English is her second.
Outside of the dental practice Esther enjoys spending time with her husband, travelling and is interested in photography.
Candace Huck
Dental Assistant
Candace graduated from Red River College Dental Assisting in 2005. She obtained her Orthodontic Module in 2007. Candace joined the Winkler Dental Clinic team in December of 2007.
Candace enjoys camping, baseball, golf, crafting and enjoying the outdoors.
Simone Schwarzkopf
Dental Assistant
Simone graduated from Red River College Dental Assisting Program and sucessfully completed her Orthodontic Module in June of 2012.
After completing her practicum at Winkler Dental Clinic Simone was excited to join the Winkler Dental Clinic team as a full time Phase II Registered Dental Assistant.
As Simone is originally from Germany, High German is her first language and English her second. Her ability to translate is very helpful in the practice.
Outside of work Simone enjoys travelling, camping and spending time with friends and family.
Michelle
Dental Receptionist
Michelle has been part of the Winkler Dental Clinic team since May 2011, and hers is one of the many smiles that will greet you when you first walk in.
She and her husband moved to the Morden/Winkler area in 2009 and have comfortably settled into small town life. In the summer months, Michelle makes good use of her green thumb tending to her many flower beds and vegetable garden. She is an avid animal lover and enjoys cooking and hosting get togethers for family and friends.
Barb Wiebe
Dental Receptionist
Barb has been a part of the Winkler Dental Clinic team since February 2010 and her sparkling personality will make you feel right at home when you visit us! She has worked in the dental field for a number of years and brings much experience and knowledge to the practice.
Barb and her husband enjoy living the country life out on the farm. In her spare time, Barb takes pleasure in gardening and keeping close relationships with her friends.
Katherine Klassen
Dental Receptionist
Katherine has been a part of the Winkler Dental Clinic team since May 2007. She is one of the people that will greet you with a smile as you enter our office. Getting to know people as they come to our office is something that she considers an honour and a pleasure to be able to do. Another aspect of her job that she takes pleasure in is working alongside an amazing team.
Kath loves spending time with her husband Rand and her four children, Riley, Regan, Zac and Brenna. She also enjoys taking long walks, reading and spending time with friends.
Sandi Dyck
Dental Receptionist
Sandi brings many years of dental experience to our office and is part of the great administrative team at the Winkler Dental Clinic. Her ability to communicate in Low German is a huge asset to the practice.
Sandi and her husband Jack have been blessed with 1 son and 2 daughters. In her spare time she enjoys reading, camping, baking and skiing. She feels very privileged to work with Dr. Samantha Klassen and all the staff at the clinic.
