Peer Mentor Program

Hey there, D1s! I’m Allison, originally from Clarkston, MI. I moved to Milwaukee four years ago for Marquette's pre-dental post-bacc program, and I’ve been in love with the city ever since. My journey into dentistry began when I met an incredible mentor whose work truly changed lives;, and I knew right then that I wanted to do the same. Now, I get to have that kind of impact at our school's clinic! At school, I serve as Class President and sit on Student Council, so I’m here to represent our voice and advocate for what our class needs. I’m a naturally talkative person, and I truly mean it when I say: you can come up to me anytime if you have any questions about school, Milwaukee, or life in general — I’m always here to help. I’m also active in ASDA, the Pediatric Club, DSD, and the Special Health Care Club. I’m leaning toward a specialization in pediatric dentistry. Before dental school, I was a preschool teacher, and I loved every moment of it -  so blending that passion with dentistry feels like the perfect fit. Outside of school, you’ll find me doing yoga, playing golf or pickleball, and going on long walks. Wisconsin has so many gorgeous outdoor spots; just let me know if you want any recommendations! What really excites me about the peer mentor program is this: I want to be your support system. Dental school can be challenging, but I’ll help you navigate it, and together, we’ll find the best ways to de-stress and stay balanced.

Hi! My name is Enya and my hometown is Naperville, IL. I went to Marquette for undergrad in the Pre-Dental Scholars program, and have loved Milwaukee ever since. It was my first time moving out of Illinois, and even though I’ve been here for 5 years, I still feel like there are so many new things for me to explore in the city. In my free time I love to read, bake, and dance (I do an Indian dance called Kathak). I was inspired to go into dentistry by my orthodontist; she showed me how dentistry melds hands-on innovation with science, art, and face-to-face patient interaction. So far, I haven’t decided if I want to specialize yet, but I have really enjoyed my pediatric and endo rotations. I am so excited to get to know you all, and work beside you these next few years!

Hey MU family! My name is Kydra Johnson, and I’m proud to be born and raised in Milwaukee. I have an adorable mini Goldendoodle named Benji who keeps me on my toes! Outside of school, I love working out, taking long walks by the beach, and soaking in the peace of nature. I also serve as a high school competitive cheer coach, which brings me so much joy and fulfillment. My motivation for pursuing dentistry is deeply rooted in my desire to give back to the community that raised me. I want to be someone the next generation can look up to — someone who looks like them and shows them what’s possible. I also find so much purpose in helping others feel confident and empowered through their smiles. I’m interested in specializing in the future as I continue to explore different fields within dentistry. I am beyond excited to serve as a peer mentor for your class. I can’t wait to support you as you grow; from the nerves and uncertainty of fall semester to feeling more confident and capable with your hand skills by spring. You’ve got this, and I’ll be here to cheer you on every step of the way!

Hi, my name is Corbin! I am from Janesville, WI, but this will be my 8th year in the Milwaukee area. I went to UW-Milwaukee for my undergrad. Most of my free time is dedicated towards my dog Milo, he's a mini dachshund. But I also love to read, go to the gym, and find new restaurants to try with my friends. I have always been interested in the world of dentistry. From meeting new patients to performing intricate and detailed procedures, I love it all. I'm super excited to meet everyone and help out in any way I can to make the start of dental school a great experience! 

Hello incoming D1 class, my name is Ethan! I'm from Franklin, Wisconsin. For the first two years of undergrad, I went to St. Bonaventure University in New York, and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin Madison (Go Badgers!). In my free time outside of dental school, I love to play tennis, golf, cook, and enjoy all the sporting events and festivals that Milwaukee has to offer. I chose dentistry because of some great experiences I had with some general dentists and orthodontists and witnessing the impact that they had within their community. I can't wait to be a peer mentor and help show new students the community and skills that Marquette fosters in order to be a great dental provider. 

Hi D1s! My name is Manaal and I'm from Mequon, WI. I went to Marquette for undergrad and was a part of the pre-dental scholars program. Growing up around Milwaukee I've always been in love with the city and am excited to share more about it with all of you. I got into dentistry with a desire to help break down access to care. Whether that's a language barrier, cultural difference, socioeconomic status, I believe everyone deserves the best possible care. At school I'm an active part of ASDA, the student research group, and the Muslim student association. I'm also a Navy HPSP recipient and am happy to talk to anyone interested in the program. Outside of school you can find me reading a good book, sewing, rock climbing, or trying a new coffee shop around the city (ask me for suggestions!). I'm huge on finding a balance between academics and your personal life and want to help all of you succeed. Taking care of yourself is the most important way to help yourself be a great dental student and I'm here to help with that process. I'm excited to meet all of you!

Hey everyone, my name is Reza! I'm originally from Plainfield, IL, and went to school at the University of Missouri. The past couple years I've really come to appreciate Milwaukee for all the coffee shops and cafes it has to offer. I plan to pursue general dentistry but have been looking into GPRs for post grad. I've had the chance to be involve at MUSOD in a couple different organizations, such as ADSO and AGD, and would be happy to help out in transitioning to dental school any way I can. Look forward to meeting all of you!

Hey D1s! I’m Eddie and I am from Sun Prairie, WI. I went to Marquette for undergrad and have spent a lot of time here in the Milwaukee area. I was inspired to pursue dentistry by family friends and growing up around the profession. I do not plan on specializing as dentistry is has a great variety of procedures and I get to see patients from all walks of life. Outside of school I like to work out, spend time outside, and I enjoy the company of my dental school friends. I am very excited to be a resource to you as you begin your dental school journey as I know how important my peer mentor was for me as an incoming D1.

Hi! My name is Victoria. I am originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I moved to Arizona when I started high school and did my undergrad at ASU! I had a 2-year gap between graduating and starting dental school. My husband and I moved to Milwaukee less than a month before orientation! I love to go on long walks/hikes, reading, the gym/ spin, playing card/board games and trying new coffee shops or restaurants around me! My desire to pursue dentistry came from my personal experience with oral surgeries and multiple sets of braces at a very young age. I want to give back to the community and be an example for some who didn't think dentistry was possible for them to pursue. I am a first gen as well, so I love helping people along their journeys! I am very excited to learn more about you guys and be a resource for you as this new chapter in your life starts! See you soon!

Welcome, D1s! My name is Bailey, and I'm from Libertyville, Illinois. I attended Butler University for my undergraduate studies, and I'm so excited to welcome you to dental school! I remember how overwhelming and exciting this transition can be, and I'm looking forward to supporting you however I can throughout your first year. When I first began dental school, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to specialize. As I've gained more experience, I've discovered that I genuinely enjoy nearly every aspect of dentistry, which has me leaning toward general dentistry so I can continue providing comprehensive care and doing a little bit of everything. One of my biggest inspirations for pursuing dentistry came from my hometown dentist, who introduced me to the connection between oral health and systemic health, particularly the role of airway dentistry in sleep-disordered breathing. Since starting dental school, my favorite part has been working with patients and building meaningful relationships! Outside of school, I love traveling, exploring local coffee shops, reading, and playing pickleball. I'm excited to get to know each of you and be a resource as you begin this incredible journey. Welcome to dental school - I can't wait to meet you!

Hello D1s! My name is Sanabil. I am originally from Little Palestine — the heart of Bridgeview, IL. But I got married last year to a Milwaukeean and have officially become a cheesehead! My love for Dentistry was influenced by my friends who pushed me to start a dental club with them during my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This gave me the opportunity to explore the career and ultimately take on dental assisting during my gap year, which little did I know it would end up leading me all the way to Marquette and start my journey towards becoming a dentist. I look forward to being a support system to you and answer any, and all questions you have about this exciting journey ahead! 

Hi, my name is Katie Lakkides. I am from Milford, Michigan. I went to Michigan State University where I was part of the competitive dance team for all 4 years. Dance is the reason I was drawn to dentistry. I love a creative challenge. Interacting and connecting with patients to help achieve their dental goals has already proven to be a lot of fun. As the first person in my family to pursue a career in the dental field, I have done a lot of “figuring it out” on my own. I am excited to pass on what I have learned to the incoming D1s. I look forward to encouraging incoming D1s that there is no one correct way to go about the first two years of dental school. Finding your own learning/ study methods and finding what you consider to be work-life balance is key to enjoying these first 2 years. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, watching the Detroit Lions, and trying out new breweries with friends. I love Milwaukee and plan to stay and practice general dentistry in Wisconsin after I graduate. I am so excited to meet everyone!

Hi D1s! My name is Sheila, and I'm from Fox Point, WI, just 15 minutes north of Milwaukee. I went to Marquette for undergrad in the Pre-Dental Scholars program, so I know all the ins and outs of Marquette and the Milwaukee area. Outside of school, I love exploring new restaurants & coffee shops, running along the lakefront, and taking workout classes downtown. I also enjoy baking in my free time — my specialties are tres leches cake and banana bread! Throughout dental school, I've enjoyed staying involved in several organizations. I currently serve as the legislative liaison for our ASDA chapter and am on the research committee for our Special Care Dentistry Association. I've also enjoyed helping incoming students through tutoring, and I'm looking forward to being another resource as a mentor as you navigate every aspect of your dental school journey. I'm excited to get to know you all and help make your first year as enjoyable and successful as possible! 

Hey there! My name is Shannon, and I grew up all over the country as part of an Air Force family! I went to a teeny tiny college in southern Michigan called Hillsdale College (it’s actually right next to several cornfields and cows), but I’ve been loving the bigger city of Milwaukee the past 2 years. I fell in love with dentistry after witnessing a dentist mentor of mine guide a patient through a particularly tough decision. He was so respectful of their choices, and I knew I wanted to be a healthcare professional who was as trustworthy as he was. My goal is to practice at a family practice probably somewhere in Tennessee or Florida and expand my credentials into implants. At Marquette, I’m a part of the Intervarsity Bible study and ASDA book club! Outside of school, you’ll find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen (I LOVE trying new recipes), lifting at the gym, or playing pickleball with my friends. I love sharing my kitchen creations with other people, so come say hi and try the latest sweet treat! 

Hey D1s! I’m so happy you’re here! My name is Whitney, and I’m from Tomahawk, WI, a small town about 3½ hours north of Milwaukee. I attended UW–Eau Claire for undergrad and spent my gap year working as an orthodontic technician. Since then, I’ve loved exploring the city and trying new things. I’m a coffee enthusiast and am always on the hunt for a new coffee shop to study in! Outside of school, you’ll probably find me playing golf or pickleball, cheering on the Brewers, or hanging out with my Goldendoodle, Ollie. My passion for dentistry comes from its unique combination of prevention, artistry, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients. At MUSoD, I’m an active member of ASDA, where I serve as the Co-Chair of the Events Committee, and I’m also the Co-Fundraising Chair for SPEA. While I definitely appreciate a good couch nap, I also love staying involved and making the most of my time in dental school. As a peer mentor, my goal is to help you feel welcomed, supported, and confident as you begin this journey. Dental school can be challenging, but you’re surrounded by so many people who want to see you succeed. I’m excited to meet you and be a resource however I can. Welcome to the MUSoD family!