Tracy Assmus - Office Manger/Team Leader

I have worked in the dental industry for 10 years, during which time I have experienced a transformation in my smile and self-confidence. The value of dentistry is one I enjoy sharing with others, for it can be life-changing. I value the positive results available through the services provided at Chaffin Dental Care!  When I am away from the office, I support the activities of my 4 children: church, tennis, Boy Scouts, dance, and music. My husband and I enjoy traveling, cooking, and gardening. In my spare time I participate in tap dancing, crafts, volleyball, and just about any spectator-sporting event.

Mary Conley RDH, BS - Registered Hygenist

Mary graduated in 1994 with a BS, Magna Cum Laude, from EWU. Between January of 1997 and March of 2000, she returned to EWU as a Clinical Professor. She has been the proud recipient of the Outstanding Restorative Clinician Award and the Mary Sheilds Wilson Award. Mary has been working with Dr. Chaffin since 1996 and enjoys the opportunities provided for growth personally and professionally. Other than dentistry, Mary's passions are her family. She remains busy with her husband's family business and since her 3 children have "all grown up," she enjoys visiting them in their own homes. Summer is her favorite time of year as the family enjoys boating and staying at their Priest Lake residence.

Gina Cox, RDH, BS - Registered Hygienist

Gina graduated in 1994 with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University. After graduation she and her family moved to Seattle where she practiced dental hygiene for almost 10 years. They enjoyed the mild weather and took part in boating, camping, and hiking. After adding 2 children to the clan, Gina's family moved back to Spokane to be closer to her and her husband's families. Gina has been part of Dr. Chaffin's team since early 2005 and is a happy member! She enjoys attending continuing education classes and loves all the new-wave technology our office uses to help educate our patients about their oral health.

Shandra Owens - Registered Clinical Assistant

Shandra has been a dental assistant for almost 10 years. She chose this field because she likes to help people feel better about their smiles. Working with children is her favorite, as their smiles are contagious and they make her happy. Outside the field of dentistry, Shandra enjoys times with her amazing son, Kody. She enjoys watching him grow into a little man and spends as much time with him as possible. She shares time with her boyfriend, Chris and his four wonderful children. If there is spare time, she enjoys golf, dancing, and being with firends and family.

Stephanie Gardea - Registered Clinical Assistant

Stephanie has been assisting in dentistry for over 20 years. She values the opportunity of meeting interesting people and in helping to create smiles — and better yet, giving others a reason to smile! Stephanie loves to gather information and analyze it, while learning from the data she collects. She has especially enjoyed the cosmetic smile classes she has attended. Stephanie is full of energy and loves to exercise! By doing so, she says she can eat her comfort foods and not feel guilty! She enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, music, hockey, baseball, arena football and entertaining friends.

Monica Hoyd - Registered Clinical Assistant

Monica has been in the dental field over 20 years. It isn't any wonder that she got into this field because she loves helping people attain the perfect smile. She enjoys implant lectures, cosmetic treatment planning, and spending time with our wonderful patients. Monica's from Virginia and her southern comfort and hospitable ways help even the most uneasy patients feel at ease while in the dental office. Monica enjoys working with the team at Chaffin Dental Care as they are always looking for ways to improve service and help give back to the community. Many hours of service are rendered to the citizens in our region. In her spare time Monica enjoys dancing, quilting, and playing the tambourine in a drumming group. Monica is also fluent in American Sign Language and interprets whenever the need arises.

Terri LaFave - Patient Care Coordinator

Terri has been in the dental field for over 10 years. The team chose her for her multi-talents! Although she began assisting with the doctor, she has transitioned into the coordination of scheduling appointments, presentation of treatment plans, and offering financial options for our patients. Terri loves learning new things and meeting our great patients. She is an adventurous one in that she, along with her entire family, chose to leave their homes in Wisconsin to discover living in the Northwest. In her spare time she enjoys shopping with her mom, spending time with her husband and their dogs, and reading and gardening.

Erin Nelson, RDH, BS - Registered Hygienist

Erin began her career at Chaffin Dental Care as a dental assistant. She graduated early from Careers Unlimited Dental Assisting School in Provo, Utah. Her favorite dental procedures are Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry. Over the years, she has earned certificates from Richards Report Seminar in Las Vegas (1999), Pacific Aesthetic Continuum Live in San Francisco (1999), and Dental Boot Kamp (2000). In May 2008, Erin grauated from EWU with a dental hygiene degree. We welcome her back to the practice as do our patients! Erin enjoys snowboarding at various mountains in the northwest region. In the summer, it's playing softball or roller-blading.