I am happy to say that I was born and raised here in Rigby, graduated class of 1983. My parents had a farm in the Clark area approximately 5 miles east of Rigby where raised Cattle hay and grain. It was an awesome place to grow up, not so much then but now looking back I can see that it taught me soo much. I developed my work ethic and desire to help others. We had a tractor without a cab and one of my favorite things was getting bundled up and going around to the neighbors pushing out their driveways during the winter.
I attended Ricks college and later EITC. I relocated to Oak Ridge Tennessee where I worked as a rad con tech, I wanted to return to Idaho and took employment at the INEL and was employed for three years when budget cuts forced my layoff. After much consideration, I sold everything and returned to school attending ISU and then Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wi for Dental school. I graduated in 2001. Dental school was tough but I loved the clinic and was fortunate to excel there.
I consider myself to be very lucky to have been able to return and start a practice here. I love what I do and I am thankful for my friends and patients that visit me for their dental care. I am further blessed to have both of my girls work with me here at the practice. I look forward to meeting you!
We live in Iona but I married a cute boy from Rigby, so I have some pretty close ties to this great community. I have been in the dental field for 30 years, first as an assistant and now as an office manager. I love helping people achieve great smiles. I have been with West Wind Dental since Dr. Ellis opened it in 2001. Troy and I have 4 beautiful girls and 10 of the cutest grandkids ever. I love to hang out with my family, garden and read when I’m not at work.
Hi, I’m Tauna!
I’m one of the Dental Hygienists here at West Wind Dental. Being born and raised in Idaho Falls, I’m committed to taking care of our local community. I’m a mother of four beautiful, energetic little girls. They definitely keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I knew from a very early age that I had a passion for dentistry. I began my education journey at ISU in Pocatello, and finished at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene (UCDH) in Orem, Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 10 years. I joined the team here at West Wind Dental in 2019.
My life revolves around my family. I’ve been married to my handsome stud of a man Jeff since 2013. We have an adorable tiny 4 lb. toy poodle named Winston. When I’m not taking care of teeth you can find me playing outdoors with my children, gathered around the kitchen table playing a board game with my family, or curled up in a blanket watching a good movie.
I was raised in Rigby and graduated from Rigby High School. I then attended the Assist to Succeed Program, in Idaho Falls, where I earned my Dental Assisting Certificate. My husband, Carlos, and I married, in 2012. We have a sweet little girl together, who is our whole world. I started at West Wind Dental in 2013 and have been working with Dr. Ellis for five years now. I have loved being in the heart of my hometown and serving my community. Being bilingual, I speak both Spanish and English which helps me connect to many different patients. You’ll know me by my smile and happy attitude.
Hello, my name is Shalae. I was born and raised in the Rigby area. My position with West Wind Dental is to help our patients achieve the smile they desire. I’m there for our patients to address any questions or concerns regarding their implants. Helping patients navigate the financial assistance available is something I am confident in. Our patients can feel assured when completing their mini dental implants that there will be no financial stress to their budgets. When I’m not at the clinic, I’m always on the go with my family. I have an awesome husband and 4 children. Something interesting about me; I own hidden spots ranch with my husband. We are foundation appaloosa breeders and hope to see the breeding program be successful. We are applying our herd’s blood lines in horses around the United States.
The Dental career has always been a huge part of my life. Being the daughter of a Dental Student, then Dentist, my time spent with dad was maybe a little different than most kids. Countless hours were spent “helping” him study; AKA honing my coloring skills while he read about Dental Anatomy and ran through flash cards. I also quickly became a class favorite, as I sat in the back row during lectures, playing with my Barbies. Then once he had graduated with his degree and our family moved back to our hometown of Rigby, being at the office became an afterschool staple.
I have been helping in the front office of West Wind Dental and Dental Assisting since I can remember. I graduated from Rigby High School in 2011, and then continued on to college. I spent some time at both ISU and BYUI before deciding to pursue Dental Hygiene. I entered into the Carrington College Dental Hygiene program, in Boise, shortly after. During my time there, I married my high school sweetheart. I graduated in 2014 and we moved back to Rigby, where I came back to work under my dad as his Dental Hygienist.
Being back in Rigby has been amazing, my husband and I have two beautiful children. Until then though, we are happy fur-parents and have no immediate plans to change that. We enjoy spending our time together and when not working, you will often find us curled up on the couch together watching Friends reruns.
It has been so great being able to work with my family, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Nicole grew up in the Idaho falls area and went to Bonneville High School where she played softball and ran cross country. She has been a hygienist since 2016. She married her husband in 2017 and they have two kids. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and likes to be out doors in the summer.
Hello! I’m Ana. I graduated from Rigby High School in 2014. I then attended CEI for the Dental Assistant Program and graduated in May 2020. I have been working for Dr. Ellis for 2 years. A little about me is that I’m married to a loving husband of 8 years and together we have a son, Junior. When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family.
Hi, I’m Angel. I grew up in the Rigby/Ririe area most of my life. I graduated at Ririe Highschool. I eventually moved up to Rexburg for school. I met the love of my life in Rexburg, while working at his uncle’s restaurant. We married and bought a house in Rigby Idaho. Eventually I finished up school at ISU and got accepted into the hygiene program. As of right now I’m taking a break from school and working as an assistant.
My husband and I don’t have any kiddos yet, but we have a husky and four cats. So our life at home is pretty fun. We love to travel and explore new places. I also love to read on my down time.