More Than a Team, They’re Family: Meet the Office Managers Behind Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates

For office managers Sandra, Valerie, Deyra, and Lee Anne, Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates has been more than a workplace. It’s where they’ve grown, raised families, developed lifelong friendships, and watched generations of Metro Detroit children grow up.

With a remarkable 83 combined years at GPDA, these four women are at the heart of the practice’s welcoming, family-centered culture. For the families who walk through the doors, their familiar faces make all the difference.

Sandra: 25 Years of Memories and Milestones
Taylor Office

Sandra joined Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates at just 20 years old. Twenty-five years later, she’s watched children who once arrived frightened and uncertain return as confident patients -and sometimes as parents bringing in their own children. Her favorite moments are seeing nervous little ones leave with a smile and return excited to see their favorite hygienist.

Sandra understands that some families arrive after difficult dental experiences. She puts herself in the parents’ shoes, reassuring them that their child’s fears are normal and that they’re surrounded by a team that truly cares.

But Sandra’s GPDA story is personal in another way.

She met her husband of 23 years through a co-worker who is still one of her closest friends today.

It is a beautiful example of how the relationships formed at GPDA extend far beyond the office.

When she’s not working, Sandra loves traveling and making memories with her husband and their three children.

Deyra: 21 Years of Building Confidence
Bloomfield Hills Office

For 21 years, Deyra has helped make dental visits a positive experience for children and their families.

“My favorite part is watching children grow in confidence and seeing them go from being nervous about their dental visits to walking in with a smile,” she shares.

Her approach is rooted in kindness, patience, and making every family feel heard. Whether she’s answering a parent’s questions or reassuring a nervous child, Deyra believes the little things make the biggest difference. One of her most emotional moments? Watching patients graduate from pediatric dental care at age 16. After years of getting to know them, saying goodbye is always bittersweet.

Outside the office, Deyra enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with loved ones, and caring for her own lively household of three cats, a Shiba Inu, and a hamster.

Valerie: 22 Years of Heart and Connection
West Bloomfield Office

Valerie was just 18 when she joined Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates in 2004. Today, 22 years later, she considers the practice a second family.

“Watching our patients grow up and building lasting relationships with their families has been such a special part of that journey,” she shares.

As a mom of three boys, Valerie knows how important it is for parents to feel reassured. She makes a point to welcome families with a smile, listen to their concerns, and encourage questions.

Outside the office, Valerie channels her creativity into her business, Creations by Valerie, specializing in personalized gifts and custom creations. She also loves cheering on her boys at sporting events, traveling, and spending time with friends.

“Over the past 22 years, I have enjoyed being part of the GPDA family. I have so many amazing memories that I will cherish forever,” she says.

For Valerie, the support of Dr. Golnick, his family, and her colleagues have made those years especially meaningful.

Lee Anne: 15 Years of Making Families Feel at Home
Taylor Office

For more than 15 years, Lee Anne has brought warmth, laughter, and personalized touch to GPDA’s Taylor location. She treasures the relationships she’s built with families, especially hearing about children’s activities, sports, and adventures as they grow.

Her secret to helping nervous little ones feel more comfortable is to encourage them to bring a favorite toy, doll, or blanket to their appointment.

“I always want our patients to feel at home here,” she shares. “Everyone is family to us at GPDA!”

Outside work, Lee Anne enjoys camping, fishing, cruising, and cheering on her family at youth sporting events. A former campground president, she’s also an enthusiastic Detroit Lions fan who loves to laugh.

The Hearts Behind the Smiles

At Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates, the people behind the smiles are just as important as the smiles themselves. What makes Sandra, Valerie, Deyra, and Lee Anne remarkable isn’t simply their years of service. It’s the lives they’ve shared, the friendships they’ve formed, and the countless families they’ve welcomed along the way.

Join the GPDA family today and book your child’s appointment at golnickpediatricdentistry.com