Our Team

Front Desk Coordinator

Front Desk Coordinator

Tonya has been part of the Calm Dental team since 2019. She is originally from Geneseo, born and raised, and has been working in the dental industry since 1995. Starting as a dental assistant, Tonya realized she more enjoyed the challenges of the office position. At the office, Tonya can be found smiling her way through the day as a friendly face at the dental front desk, ensuring every patient feels welcomed and at ease.

On her days off, Tonya loves to spend quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and challenging herself in the kitchen, trying all sorts of new recipes and techniques.     

Registered Dental Hygienist

Since 2001, Tara has been working in the dental industry. She started as a certified dental assistant, became a registered dental assistant, and gained 21 years of experience. In 2022, Tara became a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist. Tara obtained her associate degree in dental hygiene and an associate degree in science from MCC. She is licensed to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. From a young age, Tara always enjoyed going to the dentist and having her teeth cleaned. This love of dental hygiene and teeth is what inspired her to work within the dental industry. 

In her free time, Tara can be found spending time with her two children, Drew and Landyn. She loves riding her e-bike, hiking and spending quality time with family. As an animal lover, Tara has 4 adorable dogs and 1 Guinea pig.

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dental Assistant

Brenda has worked with Dr. Popelka since he first started his dental practice. She has a wealth of experience to offer and has been a dental assistant since 1969. Brenda’s bounty of knowledge, loyalty, and unwavering attention to detail has made her an integral member of the Calm Dental team. Brenda was naturally drawn to being a dental assistant because every day is different, and she loves the people she works with.

On her days off, Brenda can be found spending time with her 2 grandchildren, Michaela and Meredith. She is their number one cheerleader at every sporting event. Brenda also loves spending quality time with her 2 daughters, Christie and Victoria. As a true cat lover, Brenda has 2 precious cats named Lena and Louie.

Dental Assistant

In 2022, Kayla first began working with Dr. Popelka and his wonderful team at Calm Dental. Before she worked with Dr. Popelka and the Calm Dental team, Kayla started as a dental assistant in 2020. Since the age of 10, she has been an active patient of Dr. Popelka’s at Lakeshore Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Prior to becoming a dental assistant, Kayla went to school to be a nurse; she has always naturally gravitated towards the healthcare industry and aiding in the welfare of others. Today, Kayla is passionately pursuing continued education within the dental field. 

In her free time, Kayla is an avid reader who always enjoys a good cup of tea. Some of her favorite genres include science fiction, fantasy and romance. She loves spending time with her sweet dog, Jesse, a terrier mix.

Dental Assistant

In 2022, Kendall first began working with Dr. Popelka and his wonderful team at Calm Dental. Before she worked with Dr. Popelka and the Calm Dental team, Kendall started as a dental assistant in 2021. Since the age of 8, she has been an active patient of Dr. Popelka’s at Lakeshore Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Prior to becoming a dental assistant, Kendall was interested in pursuing a career in early education where she hoped to have a positive impact on young lives. Her sister introduced her to the position of being a dental assistant, which allowed Kendall to actively see the positive impact she had on people’s lives. Kendall naturally gravitated towards the role of being a dental assistant after seeing all the good she could do for people.

On her days off, Kendall can be found enjoying a good television series like House or Bones. She is an avid reader of fiction books and loves to spend quality time with her precious border collie named Looney.