Our employee spotlight for this issue is on Leah Gilbo.  Leah has worked as one of Dr. Jones’ dental assistants for nearly four years.  We’ve asked Leah to share with you some of her history and her life outside of her profession.

I grew up in Maple Valley , Washington , which is a city about 20 miles SW of Seattle.  Just like Redmond , although it was once a small town, it has grown tremendously throughout the years.  My family did spend a couple of years in Houston , but moved back to Maple Valley where I finished high school, graduating in 1996.  Along with my parents, I have an older brother and a younger sister who still live in Washington .

After high school, I decided to stay close to home, and I attended Green River Community College in Auburn , WA , where I received my Associate’s degree.  I found I was truly interested in animal reproductive science, leaning toward the possibility of veterinary medicine.  After visiting the Washington State University campus in Pullman , WA , I opted to transfer there to finish my education to obtain my Bachelor’s degree.  I graduated in 2000 with an Animal Science degree with Emphasis in Production Management. 

In June of 2000 I moved here to Redmond , not only to find a job, but to be with my then-boyfriend, Erik, who had been living here and working for PCC Schlosser.  I worked at a coffee shop for about three years before finding a job in the horse breeding industry.  For the next three years, I worked for the Painted Rock Ranch in Terrebonne.  While there, my job duties included collecting stallions, breeding horses, assisting in the new births, and some horse training.  It was a great experience for me that I will never forget. 

It was at the ranch where I met Kevin and Karin Coombe, who lived next door.  I had become acquainted with them from working with some of their horses.  At around the same time I found myself looking for a new job, Dr. Coombe happened to be looking for someone to fill a recently available position in his office staff.  I began working as the insurance specialist, but soon started training to be a dental assistant.  His staff was gracious enough to train me into this clinical position when I did not have any dental experience at all.  I am now one of Dr. Jones’ assistants, and have been for over three years.

I am currently married to my wonderful husband of three and a half years, Erik, and we have a beautiful daughter, Hannah, who is two years old.  We are also expecting our second child in June of this year!  We often visit my entire family in the Seattle-area, seeing them at least once a month.  I love to see my niece and nephew grow and play with my daughter, and the children are all very close.  In addition to visiting with friends and family, my hobbies include camping, boating, fishing, and walking. 

I has truly been a blessing to be a part of such an awesome dental team.  I could not ask for a better job or place to work.  Our office staff is much like having a second family.  Everyone gets along so well and are so passionate about their jobs.  I look forward to many more years of not only working here with Dr. Coombe and Dr. Jones, but also seeing all the wonderful patients that come through our door!