Meet Our Staff and Doctors

Birch Street Dental Care

Dr. Jacob Soenen

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.

Debbie

Clinic Administrator

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! 

Haley

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

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

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.

Sara

Treatment Coordinator

Hey there, I'm Sara!

That's right, no H at the end of my name! I was born and raised all over Michigan but decided to plant my roots in beautiful northern Michigan after I graduated from school. I have 3 amazing children: 2 wildly crazy teenage boys - Josh and Jordin (and I must add my bonus son Jaydon here as well) and my beautiful sassy daughter Jasmine. I married the love of my life, Rick (Rickle is what my kids call him) in October 2021 and inherited his children and 2 wonderful grandsons. Family is super important to me and in my free time you can catch me doing anything with them. You can almost always bet that my 2 teenage sisters, Journey and Justice are near whether we are just hanging out or going on a fun adventure with my mom and stepdad. I became part of the Birch Street Dental Care team in December 2021. I absolutely love the dental world. I look forward to everyday I come to work to help bring a new smile to each person who comes through the door. I can't wait to see you at my window at your next appointment!

Shatrease

Patient Coordinator

Hi, I'm Shatrease! I am a lifelong resident of Kalkaska County, MI. I started working at Birch Street Dental Care in April 2022. I am very family oriented. My husband and I have 3 children, two girls and one boy. My favorite season is summer. My hobbies include camping, kayaking, riding four wheelers and fishing.

Cassie

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

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.

Lori

RDA

Hi, I’m Lori! I’ve been a certified and registered dental assistant for the past 32 years at Birch Street Dental. I just celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with my husband Jim! We have two grown sons. In my spare time, you can find me outside with my camera in my hands or participating in the Buckley Old Engine Show!

Karen

Hi! I’m Karen! As a certified and registered dental assistant, I enjoy helping members of our community reach their oral health goals! I find it especially satisfying to see the patients overcome their fears of dental treatment and get that brilliant smile they have always wanted. As a lifelong resident of Kalkaska, my husband and I have raised our four children here. We have a granddaughter, Madison, and a grandson, Jaxon! I love doing anything outdoors, especially camping, riding my bike, and spending time with family!

Ann

RDA

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. 

Nikki

RDA

Hey, I'm Nikki, After high school, I attended Northern Michigan College and earned my associate degree and certificate in Child Development in 2008. At that time, I had a daughter Grace, and worked at a daycare center, not knowing what I wanted to do the rest of my life. During that time, I had another daughter, Sydney. Fast-forward to 2014 my friend encouraged me to go back to school to be an RDA, so I did just that and found a career I love! I graduated in 2015 and worked in Traverse City before moving to Kalkaska in 2020 to live with my fiancé Jason and his 5 children! I joined BSDC in July 2021 and love it here and all of my coworkers that I have gotten to know. When I'm not at work I enjoy traveling, shopping, and spending time with my fiancé.

Grace

Hi! I’m Grace!  I was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan where I graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2017. I went on to attend Northwestern Michigan College where I earned my Dental Assisting License! I started working at BSDC in March 2020. I love my job and the people I get to work with every day! In my free time, I love going on hikes, camping, running, and farming! I can’t wait to help you achieve your dental goals! 

Emily

Dental Assistant

Hi, my name is Emily, and I've lived in northern Michigan my whole life. I have been married for nearly 3 years and have 4 dogs and a cat. My house is always busy, and I love it that way. Aside from this, I am a wedding videographer and spend my summers telling people's stories. I joined Birch Street Dental Care in January of this year and have really enjoyed helping people love their smile again, it is incredibly fulfilling!

Bekky

Dental Assistant

Hi, I'm Bekky! I was born and raised here in Northern Michigan and graduated from Mancelona High School in 2015. I joined Birch Street Dental Care in September 2022 after being a Certified Nursing Assistant for 6 years! In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my Shih Tzu Gizmo and two cats, Oliver and Nala, as well as hanging out with my sister Ella. In February 2023, I had my first child, a baby boy named Major, and watching him grow every day is amazing! I am very excited about our journey ahead!

Delanie

Bio coming soon!

Cathie

RDH

Hi, I am Cathie, I joined Birch Street Dental Care in July 2019. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I graduated from Kellogg Community College in 1989 and still enjoy working in dental hygiene. I currently live at Higgins Lake and enjoy cycling, cooking, and walking our dog Pappy.

Ashley

Hey there, I'm Ashley! I joined Birch Street Dental Care in March 2021, and I am excited to serve this practice and my new community! I was born in Mason, Michigan, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee when I was 6 years old. In February, we relocated to Mancelona and I joined this wonderful team! I received my dental hygiene degree while we lived in Nashville and began my career in 2014. I am very passionate about dental hygiene and I strive for excellence. I adapt to every patient to fit their needs and concerns. I enjoy educating and serving my community. I love helping the underserved and volunteering on dental mission trips. My husband George and I were high school sweethearts and have recently celebrated 20 years together! We have 2 Australian cattle dogs that we adore and take everywhere on adventures. In my downtime, I enjoy riding our beautiful Michigan trails on our Polaris Razor. My husband and I are avid hunters, and fishermen and we love camping! I am excited to meet you and give you my best!

Barbee Jo

RDH

Hi, I’m Barbee Jo, I was born and raised in lower Michigan near Detroit and moved to Northern Michigan in 1983. I currently reside in Lake City. I have worked as a hygienist for nearly 25 years in the Cadillac area. I recently joined Birch Street Dental Care in September 2020. I enjoy my new job and co-workers, along with the opportunity to care for patients in this region. I am truly blessed for this opportunity and look forward to God’s plans for my new endeavor.

Taelyn

RDH

Hi, I'm Taelyn! I was born and raised right here in Kalkaska. I went on to Ferris State University and graduated from their dental hygiene program in May 2022. I found my way back home and have been working at Birch Street Dental Care ever since! In my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, kayaking, and all activities outdoors. I am also a fur mama to a dog named Kylo and a cat named Leo. I am looking forward to kicking off my career in my hometown and meeting all of you!

Shera

Hello, my name is Shera, I grew up in the small town of Millington, which is near Birch Run. My family & I moved to Northern Michigan in 2010 before my youngest was born. I have four children, two of whom are grown. I graduated from Delta College in 2014 with a degree in dental hygiene. I joined the team at Birch Street Dental Care in October 2021. I love animals and being outside in the sunshine. I am excited to meet you at your next hygiene visit.

Mariela

Dental Hygiene Assistant

Hi, I'm Mariela! I moved to Kalkaska from Florida in 2019. My weekends are spent hanging out at home playing board games and video games. My hobbies include reading, crocheting, and candle making.

Shannon

Dental Hygiene Assistant

Hello I am Shannon,

You can refer to me as the Rajun Cajun. I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and found my way to Michigan 5 years ago. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, so once I realized it’s not always 115 degrees outside here, I thought, maybe I’ll stay awhile. When I’m not loving life at work, you’ll see me enjoying my kayak. If you like Cajun/Creole cuisine, we could probably talk for hours. If you want me to cook for you, all you have to say is” you can make it better,” challenge accepted. I am very happy to be here in such an amazing community. Say hi when you are in for your next hygiene appointment.