Meet Our Staff and Doctors

Birch Street Dental Care

Meet Our Staff and Doctors at Birch Street Dental Care

At Birch Street Dental Care, we are your locally-owned dental practice, where expertise meets compassionate care. With over 45 years of experience, our licensed and insured dental staff and doctors are dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for all phases of dentistry. Whether you need routine check-ups, advanced procedures, or specialized treatments, our skilled professionals are here to ensure your oral health and satisfaction.

Experience the difference of our knowledgeable team, committed to your well-being and confident smiles. Contact us to book an appointment today and meet the experts who make your dental health their top priority.

Our Team of Highly Experienced Doctors

Dr. Dan Soenen

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Dan Soenen has been practicing in Kalkaska since 1980. He received his degree in general dentistry from the University of Michigan in 1978.

Dr. Soenen is currently a member of the Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Resort District Dental Society.

Dr. Soenen has also served as a president of the R.D.D.S. in 1988. He resides on Torch Lake with his wife Marti. They have three grown sons.

Dr. Jacob Soenen

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Jake Soenen grew up on the south-end of Torch Lake, spending a lot of his time enjoying the beautiful Northern Michigan outdoors. Dr. Jake studied biology and chemistry at Albion College earning a bachelors degree summa cum laude in 2015. He then received his doctor of dental surgery degree magna cum laude in 2019 from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Jake has since been a part of the Birch Street Dental team. In addition to providing general dentistry treatment modalities, he is certified in IV (intravenous) moderate sedation, along with implantology. He enjoys him time outside of work with his wife, Dr. Hanna Cho, their dog Tochi, reading, traveling, and eating delicious foods.

Dr. Hanna Cho

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Hanna Cho was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Milwaukee, WI. She received her bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience at Lehigh University in 2014. In 2019, she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry and has since been a part of the Birch Street Dental team.

In addition to providing a broad scope of treatment modalities, Dr. Cho is also certified in IV (intravenous) moderate sedation, Botox, fillers, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) with microneedling, along with implantology.

She enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. Jacob Soenen and their dog, Tochi, traveling the world, and trying new cuisines!

Dr. Leigha Brown

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Hello, I'm Dr. Leigha Brown, a native of northern Michigan. My upbringing was split between Traverse City and Cadillac, and I am thrilled to return home and to serve the Kalkaska community. I earned my bachelor’s degree in cognitive neuroscience from Michigan State University and my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Detroit Mercy. I am passionate about providing comprehensive dental care, a commitment that has been enriched by joining this close-knit office. Beyond dentistry, I enjoy playing tennis, skiing, and treasured moments with my fiancé, family, and friends.

Dr. Tiffany Valencia

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Tiffany Valencia was born in the Philippines and raised in Chelsea, MI. During her childhood, she spent summers visiting family in the rural northern regions of the Philippines, where she witnessed firsthand the health disparities faced by underserved communities. These formative experiences inspired her passion for healthcare, community building, and serving others.

Dr. Valencia earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2018. She continued her education at the same institution, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2022.

Dr. Valencia currently resides in Traverse City, MI with her two dogs, Maizey (a Goldendoodle) and Blue (a Pomsky). Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors and is committed to continual growth in her dental practice and community.

Our Team Leaders

Haley

Clinical Administrator, Registered Dental Hygienist, Dental Anesthetist, Dental Assistant

Hello, I’m Haley! I was born and raised in McBain, MI, and currently reside in the Cadillac area. I studied dental hygiene at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and graduated in 2004. I have been blessed enough to use my dental hygiene degree in many exciting ways since starting my career in the dental field in 2004. I was hired into Birch Street Dental Care in 2012 and quickly realized that it would become my dental home! I enjoy my job and my co-workers, and I am proud of how we all work together as a team to give our patients the best dental experience possible. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, Chad, and our son, Layn. I also enjoy camping with family, hiking, photography, pilates, traveling to new places, and trying new foods!

Lindsey

Front Desk Team Leader, Dental Assistant

My name is Lindsey, I was born and raised in southeastern lower Michigan. I was blessed enough to be able to move North seven years ago. I have been working in the dental field for 21 years. I started at Birch Street Dental Care in May 2017. My husband Matt and I enjoy camping, snowmobiling, and entertaining our dog journey.

Cheryl

Dental Hygiene Team Leader, Registered Dental Hygienist, Dental Anesthetist, Dental Assistant

Hi, I’m Cheryl! I was born and raised in Roger City, MI. After I graduated from high school, I moved to Traverse City, MI where I attended Northwestern Michigan College. I graduated with an associate’s degree in dental assisting. I worked as an oral surgeon for five years before I moved to Grand Rapids, MI to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. I am lucky enough that 24 years later I am working 1 ½ days as a dental assistant/ anesthetist and 3 days a week as a hygienist. I am blessed to have two children. My son Gunnar, who is married, and my daughter Ayla, who is in high school and keeps me very busy with her travel softball, cheerleading, and golf.

Ann

Clinical Team Leader, Registered Dental Assistant

Hi, my name is Ann! I am a registered and certified dental assistant working as part of the clinical team at Birch Street Dental Care. I enjoy working in the warm and friendly atmosphere of Birch Street Dental Care. My favorite part of being a dental assistant is that every day presents a new experience, whether it is giving a patient a new smile or helping a patient feel at ease. I have been a lifelong resident of Kalkaska. My husband Jeff and I chose to raise our two boys, Nick and Nolan, in the community. We value our family time by doing outdoor activities and spending time together.

Our Front Desk

Debbie

Chief Financial Officer

Hi, I’m Debbie! I was born and raised in lower Michigan near Detroit and moved to Kalkaska at the age of 10. I graduated from Kalkaska High School and became Birch Street Dental Care’s first employee in 1980. My biggest highlight over nearly the last four decades has been getting to know our patients and their families. Some have become very close friends of mine. I feel very fortunate to work with amazing doctors and a team of professional co-workers. Our specialty is to not hurt our patients! We strive to make each patient's dental experience positive and comfortable. I married my high school sweetheart, Todd. We have two grown married children, Kyle and Kevin, as well as two beautiful granddaughters, Kylee and McKenna. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping, and traveling with my family and my dog, Dewey. I welcome you to Birch Street Dental Care!

Sara

Treatment Coordinator, Front Desk Second - in -Command

Hi, I'm Sara! Though I grew up all over Michigan, I chose to plant my roots in beautiful Northern Michigan after graduation, and I've never looked back. I'm a proud mom of three amazing kids: Josh, Jordin, and Jasmine. In 2021, I married the love of my life, Rick (or Rickle, as we like to call him) and I was lucky to gain a wonderful extended family, including two incredible grandsons. Family is everything to me, and when I'm not at the office, you'll usually find me on an adventure with them.

At the office, I proudly wear many hats. As the Financial Treatment Coordinator, I work closely with our new patients to ensure they fully understand their treatment plans and financial options. If you're new to the office, there's a good chance I'll be part of your first visit! I also help keep the Doctor's schedule running smoothly and serve as second-in-command at the front desk, supporting all things front office alongside Lindsey.

Outside of work, my husband and I manage a cozy motel in charming Lewiston, MI, so my days often include a bit of travel and alot of Northern Michigan sunrises and sunsets (not a bad perk!) Whether you're visiting our office or passing through Lewiston, don't be shy, stop by and say hello! :)

Cassie

Insurance Coordinator

Hello, I’m Cassie. I was raised in Germfask and moved to Kalkaska in 2002 for my first “big city” job in Traverse City. I married my husband Dan in 2007, and we have 2 beautiful kiddos, Hunter and Hannah. We love to be outside no matter the season to enjoy hunting, fishing, riding our RZR, and camping. My hobby is crocheting and growing succulents! I started here at Birch Street Dental in September 2020, and it has been an adventure so far. Let me know if I can help you with your insurance questions!

Angie

Patient Coordinator

My name is Angie, I was raised in Madison Height, MI (down by Detroit). I met my husband working at Kroger grocery store many years ago. We have 6 children, all adults, and 8 beautiful grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my husband, gardening, canning, and just being outdoors with my dogs, Jax and Liberty.

Emilee

Patient Coordinator

Sage

Patient Coordinator

I'm a simple girl, aiming for a quiet domestic life. I'm the youth leader at Evergreen Bible Baptist Church (you're more than welcome to attend!) and enjoy going on adventures with my teens and seeing them grow in their faith.

Jenna

Patient Coordinator

Jil

Patient Coordinator

Hi, my name is Jil and there's only two things you need to know about me, my name is spelled with one L and I love to golf. I'll see you at checkout!

Katherine

Patient Coordinator

Hi, I'm Katherine, a patient coordinator with a heart full of compassion and a head full of puns!

I've been with Birch Street since August 2024. When I'm not at the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family as well as being a pet parent to my two dogs and cat. Ask me about them and you might be here for hours! My motto? Heal with love and a smile! See you soon!

Kayla

Patient Coordinator

Celetresse

Patient Coordinator