Shelly M. Galvin, DDS
Dr. Shelly Galvin graduated from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1990, and has been practicing in the area for the last 15 years. Each month she continues to learn more about the newest dentistry procedures to better meet the needs of her patients. Dr. Galvin also spent three years in the Navy stationed in Okinawa, Japan. In addition to her three kids, Dr. Galvin has three dogs and an Amazon parrot. When Dr. Galvin is not at Westwood Dental, she enjoys RV camping, volleyball, and cooking.
Kritika J. Thomas – Associate Dentist
Dr. Kritika Thomas grew up in Vero Beach, Florida. There, she spent many sunny afternoons following her father around his successful dental practice. It was also there that she gained an interest in the dental profession. After high school, she attended the University of Florida and majored in biology. Shortly after, she pursued her dream of becoming a dentist by attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. To further her knowledge of dentistry, Dr. Thomas attended an AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) residency in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Thomas now resides in Kansas City, MO, with her fiancé, Dr. Vincent Carrazana, and her dog, Barkley. In her free time, she loves discovering new restaurants to enjoy. She also has a passion for yoga and CrossFit. Dr. Thomas is excited to join Westwood Dental and help her patients re-establish and maintain their beautiful smiles.
Meet Our Team
We love our dental team at Westwood Dental! They are always smiling and energetic, making patients feel at home and at ease with their treatments. They are here to schedule appointments and take care of any questions or concerns you have. We hope you will choose Dr. Shelly Galvin and Dr. Kritika Thomas for all your dental care needs today!
Jenny – Office Manager
Jenny has been with our team since 2000, and she is a wonderful office manager! She is dedicated to her team and her patients, and she loves working in a practice where the patients are the top priority, and where there is great teamwork and dedication. Jenny strives for excellence in every aspect of her job, and she helps keep everything running smoothly. Jenny is married and has three children: two boys and one girl. In her free time, she loves to garden and landscape, travel, and spend time with her family.
Jenny has been with our team since 2000, and she is a wonderful office manager! She is dedicated to her team and her patients, and she loves working in a practice where the patients are the top priority, and where there is great teamwork and dedication. Jenny strives for excellence in every aspect of her job, and she helps keep everything running smoothly. Jenny is married and has three children: two boys and one girl. In her free time, she loves to garden and landscape, travel, and spend time with her family.
Kelly – Registered Dental Hygienist
Kelly has been with Westwood Dental for over 9 years. She received her dental hygiene bachelor’s degree from UMKC, and she has been a great asset to our practice over the years. Kelly takes care of the preventive aspect of each patient’s dental routine, and she teaches patients about their dental health. She loves working in an environment where everyone cares so much about each individual patient, and with a team that works together to give patients a great experience and great care. Kelly married Ryan in 2016, and they have two dogs and a cat. When she is not at work, Kelly loves to travel and do home improvement projects.
Kelly has been with Westwood Dental for over 9 years. She received her dental hygiene bachelor’s degree from UMKC, and she has been a great asset to our practice over the years. Kelly takes care of the preventive aspect of each patient’s dental routine, and she teaches patients about their dental health. She loves working in an environment where everyone cares so much about each individual patient, and with a team that works together to give patients a great experience and great care. Kelly married Ryan in 2016, and they have two dogs and a cat. When she is not at work, Kelly loves to travel and do home improvement projects.
Kallie – Registered Dental Hygienist
Kallie has been a part of our dental team since 2007, after she graduated from UMKC in 2006. She is licensed to practice dental hygiene in both Kansas and Missouri. Kallie loves working at Westwood Dental! She loves being able to see her great patients when they come in for their routine appointments. Over the years, Kallie has developed a great and trusting relationship with her patients, and she cares strongly for their overall health. After a patient comes in for their visit, Kallie likes to follow up with them from time to time and check in on them. Kallie is happily married and has a son who is three and a half.
Kallie has been a part of our dental team since 2007, after she graduated from UMKC in 2006. She is licensed to practice dental hygiene in both Kansas and Missouri. Kallie loves working at Westwood Dental! She loves being able to see her great patients when they come in for their routine appointments. Over the years, Kallie has developed a great and trusting relationship with her patients, and she cares strongly for their overall health. After a patient comes in for their visit, Kallie likes to follow up with them from time to time and check in on them. Kallie is happily married and has a son who is three and a half.
Amy L. – Registered Dental Hygienist
Amy graduated from the school of dental hygiene at JCCC in 1996, and she joined our team in March 2017. She loves working at Westwood Dental because of the quality of the overall product and experience that we offer to our patients. For Amy, Westwood Dental is the first dental practice she has been where the dental hygiene department is top notch and professional, and where everyone is done as it should be. As a dental hygienist, Amy strives to provide her patients with sensitive, gentle care, especially for those who have dental phobias. She also shows children that being at the dentist does not have to be a negative experience. Amy has been married to her husband, Jason, for 20 years, and they have a 14-year-old son name Jayce. When she is not working, Amy loves making something out of nothing! She considers herself to be a repurposer and bargain shopper. Amy also loves to live her life to follow the quote, “Life is short…make it sweet!”
Amy graduated from the school of dental hygiene at JCCC in 1996, and she joined our team in March 2017. She loves working at Westwood Dental because of the quality of the overall product and experience that we offer to our patients. For Amy, Westwood Dental is the first dental practice she has been where the dental hygiene department is top notch and professional, and where everyone is done as it should be. As a dental hygienist, Amy strives to provide her patients with sensitive, gentle care, especially for those who have dental phobias. She also shows children that being at the dentist does not have to be a negative experience. Amy has been married to her husband, Jason, for 20 years, and they have a 14-year-old son name Jayce. When she is not working, Amy loves making something out of nothing! She considers herself to be a repurposer and bargain shopper. Amy also loves to live her life to follow the quote, “Life is short…make it sweet!”
Rebecca – Registered Dental Hygienist
Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2015 from UMKC, and she has been with our practice since early 2016. She grew up in Kansas City, and she loves being close to home and working at Westwood Dental! Rebecca loves being able to develop close relationships with her patients and co-workers, and she works hard to provide her best care to each patient. She wants to help her patients stay up-to-date with their dental hygiene and restorative needs. Rebecca has one younger brother, who lives in Boston. From 1995 to 2009, Rebecca participated in horseback riding, and she also taught lessons while she was in college. In addition to her job here at Westwood Dental, Rebecca also works as a part-time event photographer for Descry Photography.
Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2015 from UMKC, and she has been with our practice since early 2016. She grew up in Kansas City, and she loves being close to home and working at Westwood Dental! Rebecca loves being able to develop close relationships with her patients and co-workers, and she works hard to provide her best care to each patient. She wants to help her patients stay up-to-date with their dental hygiene and restorative needs. Rebecca has one younger brother, who lives in Boston. From 1995 to 2009, Rebecca participated in horseback riding, and she also taught lessons while she was in college. In addition to her job here at Westwood Dental, Rebecca also works as a part-time event photographer for Descry Photography.
Brenda – Registered Dental Hygienist
Brenda has been with Westwood Dental since September 2016. She graduated from the dental hygiene program at Johnson County Community College with an Associate of Science degree in dental hygiene in 1998. Brenda truly enjoys being a dental hygienist. She loves seeing the lightbulb turn on when she is talking to a patient about their oral health and everything finally clicks. Brenda feels that she has a great rapport with her patients, and she works hard to give her patients an excellent dental experience every time she sees them. Brenda loves being a part of the dental hygiene profession, and she feels very fortunate to be able to assist patients with not only their oral health but also their overall health. Brenda also loves how everyone on our team works together and works like a well-oiled machine. Each team member is friendly, respectful, helpful, and enthusiastic about dentistry.
Brenda has been married to her husband, Danny, for eighteen and a half years. In her free time, she truly loves spending it with her family and friends whenever she can. She enjoys listening to music, going to the movie theatre, and reading a variety of book genres. She also enjoys exercising several times a week.
Lainie – Registered Dental Hygienist
Lainie has worked with Westwood Dental off and on since 1999. She graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 2004 as a registered dental hygienist. In 2007, she became an RN when she graduated from Research College of Nursing. Lainie loves the lifelong friendships she has made from being part of a great dental team that helps put smiles on faces. She is a positive team player who appreciates differences and is respectful toward everyone at the office. Her hobbies outside of dentistry include snow skiing, wake boarding, wake surfing, canoeing, kayaking, traveling, trail biking, hiking, and performing karaoke.
Cindy – Administrative Coordinator
Cindy joined our team in October 2016, but she worked in the medical field for 15 years prior to coming to Westwood Dental. As our front office coordinator, Cindy helps patients feel like they are #1! She tries to go above and beyond the normal coordinator duties because she enjoys helping patients, and she wants them to know that she is there to help satisfy their dental needs. Cindy has been married to her husband, Ben, for 21 years, and they have two daughters and one son. They also have two dogs and two cats. In her free time, Cindy loves watching her son play sports, listening to her daughter sing, and traveling
to Arkansas to visit her daughter in college.
Cindy joined our team in October 2016, but she worked in the medical field for 15 years prior to coming to Westwood Dental. As our front office coordinator, Cindy helps patients feel like they are #1! She tries to go above and beyond the normal coordinator duties because she enjoys helping patients, and she wants them to know that she is there to help satisfy their dental needs. Cindy has been married to her husband, Ben, for 21 years, and they have two daughters and one son. They also have two dogs and two cats. In her free time, Cindy loves watching her son play sports, listening to her daughter sing, and traveling
to Arkansas to visit her daughter in college.
Julie – Hygiene Coordinator
Julie joined our team at Westwood Dental in September 2017, and she loves working with her co-workers! She enjoys working in an environment where everyone strives to leave their patients with a positive feeling. Julie is the type of person who always has a smile on her face, and she is very welcoming to any patient that arrives in our hygiene department. Julie is the proud mother of three adult boys, and she has a wonderful daughter-in-law. Outside of work, Julie loves to spend time outdoors. She lives on several acres, and she loves to mow and tend to her flowers. She also enjoys playing tennis and walking.
Julie joined our team at Westwood Dental in September 2017, and she loves working with her co-workers! She enjoys working in an environment where everyone strives to leave their patients with a positive feeling. Julie is the type of person who always has a smile on her face, and she is very welcoming to any patient that arrives in our hygiene department. Julie is the proud mother of three adult boys, and she has a wonderful daughter-in-law. Outside of work, Julie loves to spend time outdoors. She lives on several acres, and she loves to mow and tend to her flowers. She also enjoys playing tennis and walking.
Amber – Treatment Coordinator
Amber joined our team in 2016, and she enjoys working in a practice that is full of laughter! She helps our patients by listening to their needs and wants, and by being able to communicate those things to our dentists. She works hard to help patients feel comfortable while they are in our office. For Amber, one of the greatest parts of working at Westwood Dental is the care that the dentists and hygienists have for their patients. She also loves the amazing dental assistants that she works with! Amber has a great love for her family and those she works with. She has a way of being able to keep people smiling and laughing throughout the day. Amber has been married to her best friend and high school sweetheart for 18 years, and together, they have a beautiful 19-year-old daughter. In her free time, Amber enjoys cooking, gardening, doing hair, and doing anything that offers a creative outlet.
Amber joined our team in 2016, and she enjoys working in a practice that is full of laughter! She helps our patients by listening to their needs and wants, and by being able to communicate those things to our dentists. She works hard to help patients feel comfortable while they are in our office. For Amber, one of the greatest parts of working at Westwood Dental is the care that the dentists and hygienists have for their patients. She also loves the amazing dental assistants that she works with! Amber has a great love for her family and those she works with. She has a way of being able to keep people smiling and laughing throughout the day. Amber has been married to her best friend and high school sweetheart for 18 years, and together, they have a beautiful 19-year-old daughter. In her free time, Amber enjoys cooking, gardening, doing hair, and doing anything that offers a creative outlet.
Rue – Treatment Coordinator
Rue has been with Westwood Dental since 2010. To her, this practice is not just a dental office. Instead, it is a home-like area where patients are like family, and where everyone works together to provide the best care possible. Rue always gives 100% of her effort to make sure every patient is happy and gets the best care. Rue also wears a toolbelt to work because she can fix anything and everything! When she is not working, Rue enjoys playing co-ed softball and hanging out with her friends and family.
Rue has been with Westwood Dental since 2010. To her, this practice is not just a dental office. Instead, it is a home-like area where patients are like family, and where everyone works together to provide the best care possible. Rue always gives 100% of her effort to make sure every patient is happy and gets the best care. Rue also wears a toolbelt to work because she can fix anything and everything! When she is not working, Rue enjoys playing co-ed softball and hanging out with her friends and family.
Kristie – Insurance/Treatment Coordinator
Kristie initially joined our team in 2001, and she has made some of her best friends while working at Westwood Dental. She loves the fun atmosphere, and she is versatile and able to help in various areas of the practice. Kristie often helps with patient treatments, as well as office administration. Kristie has been married to her husband, Chris, for 16 years, and she has an 11-year-old son, Jake, and a 7-year-old daughter, Jacey. When she is not at work, Kristie enjoys going to the lake, beach, and mountains. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and being outdoors!
Kristie initially joined our team in 2001, and she has made some of her best friends while working at Westwood Dental. She loves the fun atmosphere, and she is versatile and able to help in various areas of the practice. Kristie often helps with patient treatments, as well as office administration. Kristie has been married to her husband, Chris, for 16 years, and she has an 11-year-old son, Jake, and a 7-year-old daughter, Jacey. When she is not at work, Kristie enjoys going to the lake, beach, and mountains. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and being outdoors!
Marina – Treatment Coordinator
Marina joined Westwood Dental in early 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies with a minor in Spanish in 2013, and she also received her dental assisting certificate in 2016. Marina loves working at Westwood Dental because she loves the people, and she tries to be helpful in any way she can. Marina enjoys being with her family, which consists of her parents, Paul and Mary, and her two sisters, Olivia and Natalie. In her free time, Marina enjoys Spanish, reading, and tutoring others.
Marina joined Westwood Dental in early 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies with a minor in Spanish in 2013, and she also received her dental assisting certificate in 2016. Marina loves working at Westwood Dental because she loves the people, and she tries to be helpful in any way she can. Marina enjoys being with her family, which consists of her parents, Paul and Mary, and her two sisters, Olivia and Natalie. In her free time, Marina enjoys Spanish, reading, and tutoring others.
Amy H. – Treatment Coordinator
Amy joined Westwood Dental in 2012, and is a CEREC specialist cross trained in the front and back office. She loves learning new things every day; helping patients smile again; and working with Dr. Galvin, whom she has known since she was nine years old. Amy is a 2007 graduate of Liberty High School in Liberty, MO, and attended MCC-Maple Woods. She is the oldest of three, and her sister, brother, and parents all live Kansas City. Amy and her husband, Travis, are expecting a baby in April. When not at work, Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends; four wheeling; having bonfires; and working on her 20-acre farm with her dogs, goats, pigs, chickens, rams, and antelope.
Chelsea – Dental Assistant
Chelsea joined our team at Westwood Dental in 2010 after she graduated from the Concorde Career College dental assisting program in 2009. As a dental assistant, Chelsea feels that she has a strong bond with her patients. She strives to make each patient feel comfortable from the time they sit in the dental chair until they leave our office. Chelsea considers her patients and co-workers as her second family. She loves the closeness between all of her co-workers and her awesome patients. Chelsea married her husband, Chris, in 2015, and they had their first baby, a little girl, in July 2016.
