Saying goodbye to our clinic staff

Deby Doonanco-Pohl
Started with SoD in1997
Registered Dental Assistant 

Most Memorable Moment 
My most memorable moments are watching the students celebrate their achievements, the jubilation on their very last day of clinics before they leave us, and at their graduation ceremony. Knowing I had a small part in helping them get there!

Mary Doucette
Started at SoD in 1997
Registered Dental Assistant

Most Memorable Moment
There are many but if she has to choose it would be how very grateful she is to have had to work for the School of Dentistry for so many years and mentor so many students.

Tannis Kubiski
Started at SoD in 2006
Patient Services Clerk

Most Memorable Moment
For me when I first started at the School we often had get togethers with both staff and students.

Scavenger hunts to the top of the crow’s nest in the old dentistry building to the dungeon, wandering through the under-ground tunnels to other buildings, hockey games against the students and socializing later at BP was always lots of laughs, golfing at Victoria and potlucks galore, being a patient in IV sedation with Dr. Verhaeghe when he was a student “LOL” there are too many to mention.  It’s been a great ride for the last 15 years. I will miss you all.

You will all again have these wonderful moments to cherish when we get through this pandemic.

Stay well and stay healthy.

Rita Fester
Started with SoD in 1985
Patient Services Clerk

Most Memorable Moment
My most memorable moments is of all the Christmas Parties I was able to attend over the last 35 years.

Wendy Samycia
Started with SoD in 1994
Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator

Most Memorable Moment
My best memories are of the old Dentistry building, being right in the middle of campus and all of the hustle and bustle of a busy University Campus.

I had the opportunity to work with awesome staff and amazing students and instructors these past 27 years.  The experience and challenges I have had in this ever evolving industry have made me grow in so many ways.

Francisca Birkland
Started with SoD in 2000
Position: Ortho Lab Technician

Most Memorable Moment
There were many but the one that stands out the most are when I started instructing the Ortho Lab classes to the 3rd year undergrad students in 2014 and because of their feedback Dr. Lagravere commissioned me to make instructional videos for the classes; and recently we worked, Tarwinder and I with the support of Sherri on three more videos for Pedo lab classes. I will keep all the wonderful memories in my heart and all I have learned from all the students, residents and my fellow coworkers.

Zenona Kawecka
Started with SoD in 1989
Dental Technician

Most Memorable Moment
When I first arrived in Canada in 1987 I would go to work through the University of Alberta bus station. I would sit at the bus stop admiring the Pharmacy and Dentistry building, thinking about how beautiful it was and how much I wanted to work in it. Who knew that two years later my dream would come true? I have had the pleasure and privilege of working in the Department of Dentistry for 32 years. It has become my second home. During those years my only daughter attended the University and we drove together every day, it was amazing quality time filled with laughter.

“Work doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do every day,” says Zenona. “Anthony, I will like to take this opportunity to thank you for 30 years of working together. I have never met anyone with more working etic and dedication to students.”

Anthony (Tony) Sawchuk
Started with SoD in1992
Dental Technician