Meet the Staff

Dr. Brad O'Brien

Dr. O’Brien graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of dentistry in 1986. He completed his advanced general dentistry residency at Ft. Sill Oklahoma before spending 7 years as a dentist in the US Army. As an Army dentist Dr. O’Brien spent time in Germany, New York and Ft. Lewis. He moved to Leavenworth in 1994 after purchasing his practice here. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and the North Central Washington Dental Society.

Desiree Dye / Registered Dental Hygienist 

Desiree (Dezi) completed her degree in Dental Hygiene from Pierce College in 1993. The daughter of a dentist, she worked 10 years as a dental assistant before becoming a hygienist. She worked in the Redmond/Kirkland area for 12 years before moving to Wenatchee and joining Dr. O’Brien practice in 2005. She and husband Rod have 2 children enrolled at River Academy in Wenatchee and spend time as a family at their cabin in Priest Lake Idaho. Dezi is active in her church, enjoys home decorating, mountain biking, skiing, and working out at the gym. She is a member of the North Central Washington Dental Society and the Washington Stare Hygienist Association. 

Suzanne Cowan / Registered Dental Hygienist

Suzanne graduated at the top of her class in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Idaho State University. Following graduation she worked in a practice in Pullman Washington, and it was there that she met and married husband Robert. After working several years at a Periodontist office and a general practice in Bakersfield California, they moved in 1993 to Leavenworth; Roberts’s hometown. In 1994 Suzanne began work in the practice that Dr. O’Brien would buy eventually buy. Suzanne has two daughters, one in middle school and the other in high school. In her spare time she enjoys horses and other animals, gardening, playing the piano and singing. Suzanne serves as President of the North Central Washington Dental Hygiene Society and is a member of the Washington State Hygienists Association.  

Tami Parker-Thomas / Office Manager 

Tami graduated Magna Cum Laude from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration. She began working for Dr.O’Brien in November 1996 after a 20-year career in retail management. She and husband Cameron live in Wenatchee with son Sam, who is a student at Wenatchee Valley College. Tami enjoys home improvement projects, baking, good restaurants, country music, watching Food Network, and traveling.

She volunteers for Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children with life threatening illnesses on Chelan and Douglas Counties. She also serves as an ambassador, appearing and speaking at fundraisers and other Make-A-Wish events.

Jennifer Taylor / Dental Assistant 

Jenny completed the dental assisting program at Renton Technical College in 1994. Following graduation she lived and worked on the Westside, primarily in Kirkland and Whidbey Island. She wanted to live in Eastern Washington and in 1997 was hired by Dr. O’Brien and moved to Leavenworth. Single mother of three, Jenny lives in E. Wenatchee with 2 sons and one daughter.  Outside of work Jenny is active in her Leavenworth church, enjoys home projects and camping. She loves spending time with family and friends and particularly enjoys any outdoor activities.

Trinice Lak / Dental Assistant

Trinice obtained her certificate in dental assisting from Eaton College in 1988. Originally from South Carolina, she lived and worked in Mill Creek, Washington for 10 years at Mill Creek Family Dentistry until moving to Leavenworth in 1997. She was owner/operator of an in home daycare for 3 years before joining Dr. O’Brien’s staff in 2003. Married to George Lak for 11 years, Trince has 3 daughters, a stepdaughter and stepson. She is also proud Grandma of two granddaughters Alia and Hallie. She enjoys boating and all summer activities. Trinice says the perfect day is any day spent with family.

Sarah Smallwood / Dental Assistant 

Sarah is a local gal, graduating from Cascade High School in 1998. She attended Pratt Fine Arts to learn glass blowing, and then completed the dental assisting program at PIMA Medical Institute in Seattle. She lived in Wallingford while working for a dentist in Lynnwood for about a year and a half before moving back home to Leavenworth. She worked in the upper valley for another general dentist and orthodontist before joining Dr. O’Brien’s staff in 2005. Sarah looks forward to time spent relaxing with family and friends as well as cooking, movies, reading and gardening.

Shelly Swanson / Bookkeeper