Feliciea Austin, Lead Dental Assistant: Feliciea began working with Dr. O’Keefe in 2007 after completing her senior project in dental assisting at Liberty Bell High School. She is especially gifted at soothing young patients and educating them to practice excellent home care. A Methow Valley native, Feliciea enjoys outdoor adventure, hiking and fishing.

Sara Crum, Office Manager:
Sara spent a number years working as a front office assistant at a busy dental practice in Redmond, WA. After her first child was born she returned to the Methow Valley with her husband to raise their children in the same great community in which Sara was brought up. Sara is a great asset to Sawtooth Dental Care and enjoys the interaction with patients, many of whom she has known since she was a child. When not working, Sara loves spending time doing anything outdoors in the beautiful surroundings in which she lives.

Norma Shull, RDH: Norma has been a hygienist for 25 years. She has been providing meticulous hygiene care for Okanogan County residents’ since 1996. Norma has the knack for enabling patients to feel welcome and safe. She takes time to ensure her patients are comfortable and understand the dental hygiene process. She believes education in home health care plays a vital role in oral health success. Norma enjoys playing violin with the Pipestone orchestra, downhill skiing, gardening and playing with her grandchildren.

Gisela Covarrubias, Front Desk: Gisela has spent the last 15 years of her career in a healthcare setting. She holds a broad range of skills that support adults with developmental disabilities; as a healthcare navigator, coach and educator. Her true passion is to help others and she is a firm believer that customer service is a priority, no matter what her job description may be. She has been living in the Methow Valley since 2014 where she and her husband are raising their 5 children. Gisela enjoys the long summer days and spending time at the park with her kids. Her favorite thing about the valley is seeing the beautiful wildflowers and snowy mountains.

Sue Scharnickel, RDH: Sue was born and raised in the PNW and moved to Twisp three years ago with her husband, Brad. They have four boys and a household of animals, which includes her dachshund, Lily. Sue has been a hygienist for 22 years. She is grateful to be able to work in our wonderful community and to have the opportunity to treat and educate others on how to achieve a lifetime of dental health. In her free time, Sue enjoys kayaking, RVing and riding ATVs.

Jennifer Elden, Front Desk: Jennifer and her family have owned a home in the Methow Valley since 2004. They moved here on a full time basis in 2011. Jennifer volunteers in the Methow Valley School district and for The Cove as the program manager of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Prior to having children, Jennifer worked in sales & marketing in the Colorado ski industry and was also a corporate meeting planner. Jennifer has two daughters and spends her free time cycling, hiking, nordic skiing and gardening. Jennifer is outgoing and loves interacting with people and therefore thoroughly enjoys assisting the team at the front desk of Sawtooth Dental Care.

Drew Varrelman, Dental Assistant: Drew spent most of her life growing up in the Methow Valley helping with the family business, Sawtooth Outfitters. Drew decided she was interested in the dental field after being helped with her oral health by her dental hygienist. She then enrolled and completed a dental assisting program. Drew is starting out in our office as a sterilization assistant and hopes to eventually go back to school and further her career as a dental hygienist. In her free time, she enjoys; horse riding, playing with her red healer mix, camping and hanging out with friends.

Alison Talbot, RDH: Moved to the Methow Valley in 2018 with her family and has been enjoying the area since 1991. She is a graduate of the dental hygiene program at Shoreline College. Growing up, Alison worked in her dad’s dental office, whose passion for patient care inspired her to become a dental hygienist. She loves watching her two young boys explore the world around them! Alison also loves travel, hiking and spending time outdoors with friends and family. Between the mountains and the people, Alison is grateful to call the Methow home.