Bellingham Office
Mount Vernon Office
Medicaid NOT Accepted

OUR CREW

Meet the Team

The exceptional service at Diamond Dental is due to the dedication and expertise of our team

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.

HUNTER SCHULZ, CRNA

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Hunter Schulz embarked on his academic journey at the University of Washington, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science. However, his path took an unexpected turn when his fascination with healthcare ignited during his undergraduate years. Eager to delve deeper into the healthcare field, Hunter relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, to pursue a degree in Nursing at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.

Returning to his roots in Washington, Hunter commenced his career as a Nurse in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at the University of Washington Medical Center. Here, the intricacies of pathophysiology and pharmacology captured his imagination, propelling him toward his dream of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Hunter moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where he attended The Mayo Clinic, excelling as a top student in his class.

Bringing his expertise back to Washington, Hunter now cares for the most critically ill adult and pediatric patients at Harborview Medical Center, where he works part-time. Yet, his commitment to providing exceptional care extends beyond the hospital walls. Hunter has expanded into office-based anesthesia, leading a team dedicated to delivering hospital-grade care to every patient, every time. His approach is characterized by empathy, as he takes the time to listen to his patients’ concerns, ensuring a calm and safe environment for all.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Hunter finds solace and joy intending to his family’s farm, where they raise goats, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. Hunter is a gracious host alongside his wife, frequently welcoming guests for lively gatherings and shared meals. Hunter enjoys hiking and fishing throughout Washington State when he’s not immersed in farm life.

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.

HALEY KOENIG

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Haley works part-time as a registered dental hygienist here at the office. She started at Diamond Dental in 2020 as a temporary hygienist planning to help for a couple of days but stayed permanently because she “couldn’t get enough of the amazing team” (her words exactly)!

She has been in the dental field for eight years. She graduated in 2014 as a registered dental assistant, in 2018 as a registered dental hygienist, and again in 2021 with her Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene. She currently has plans to go back to school to earn her Masters.

When she’s not studying for school, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, getting out on a kayak or paddle board, playing pickleball, and traveling all around the world! She’s always excited to hear about others’ travel plans and welcomes fun travel recommendations! Next on her bucket list is Costa Rica and Switzerland!

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 ZUARRI

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.

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!

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!

MICHELLE ALVARADO

Michelle began her career in the dental field at age 16 by volunteering her time at a private dental office in Compton, CA. While volunteering she was also attending Cerritos College. She graduated Cerritos College in 2008 with a Dental Assisting Certification. Michelle moved to Skagit Valley in 2014 and shortly after started her career with us.

When Michelle is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys. Her favorite pastime is planting flowers and vegetables and watching them grow. She also loves to search for adventure while taking weekend drives and doing all of the great outdoor activities our area has to offer. She likes to spend her time with friends and family.

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.

Contact Us

We are based in WA

Bellingham Office

102 South Samish Way
Bellingham, WA 98225

Mount Vernon Office

2120 Freeway Drive
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
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Bellingham Office
(360) 583-4497
Mount Vernon Office
(360) 615-3631

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