Chrissy Russ

Our longstanding hygienist Chrissy is a familiar face to most of our patients. She has been with Rock Ridge for over 8 years and has formed lasting friendships with many of the patients here. Chrissy has an ever present smile on her face and can make the most anxious patients feel at ease in her chair.

Chrissy was born and raised in Damascus, Md., and graduated from Allegheny College of MD. in 1991. She has been cleaning teeth for 30 years! Chrissy has 1 daughter, and in addition to spending time with her, loves being at the beach or anywhere there’s sun! She enjoys bonfires, kayaking, traveling, comedy, clubs, playing pool and darts, and a good movie. 

If you’ve been in Chrissy’s chair then you’ll know the experience is much more than just a cleaning. She strives to make each appointment a pleasant one for each and every patient. We are grateful to have Chrissy here at the office, and know you will love her too.

Cori Graves

Cori graduated with her dental hygiene license from Community College of Baltimore County in 2014 and achieved a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Salisbury University in 2010. She has been working for Dr. Brian since 2019 and is at the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has previously worked in a cosmetic dental practice and a periodontal office, but prefers general dentistry.

Cori and her husband, Eric, live in Twin Ridge with their 3 beautiful children Grayson, Gwendolyn and Garrett and small dog, Dallas. She is a native of Frederick County and moved to Mount Airy from Baltimore in 2015. When not at work or chasing small children, she can be found working on home improvements and spending as much time with family and friends as possible.

When in Cori’s chair, you can be assured  a comfortable and happy atmosphere, as she works hard to ensure a gentle and compassionate experience. She promotes ideal oral health for all, but above all else, she cares about each patient and their whole health and happiness.

Liz Oliveira

Liz joined Rock Ridge Dentistry as a hygienist in 2019. She graduated Hygiene School from Howard Community College and shortly after came to us. She is an enthusiastic, fun, and passionate hygienists. She takes great pride in what she does and sets very high standards for herself in her work. Her loud jovial laughter can be heard throughout the office, and she brings a passion for her work to every patient.

Liz is a native to Maryland, growing up in Frederick County, and raising her two beautiful daughters with her husband of 17 years. Her favorite pastimes are spending time with family and friends, exercising, and taking long walks with her dogs.

Educating patients about how to improve their oral health is Liz’s favorite part in her job, well that and scaling teeth! We are thrilled to have Liz here at the office, and we know you will be too! 

Mary Kathryn Dunkle

Mary Kathryn joined Rock Ridge Dentistry in December of 2020. Mary Kathryn, a hygienist, is our newest team member, and brings to the office a kind heart, and joy filled personality. She clearly loves her job, and it shows in every interaction she has with patients.

Mary Kathryn grew up in Manassas, Va. and graduated from Northern Virginia Community College in 1986. Having held licenses in Virginia, California, and Maryland, she continued to work while she and her husband raised a family of four boys. They are now officially empty nesters in Carroll County where they have resided for 23 years.  In their free time they enjoy camping and getting away with their 3 dogs as often as possible.

Mary Kathryn enjoys working with the young, to the young at heart, and holds dear working with special needs patients. Her favorite part of dentistry is helping patients achieve optimal oral health while feeling at ease in the dental chair. She looks forward to meeting you!

Alena Hedden

If you have spent any time in Dr. Brian’s chair then you have met Alena. Alena came to us in 2018 as Dr. Brian’s full time assistant, and has brought much laughter and joy to the office. The prankster of the office, Alena works hard to maintain a positive atmosphere. She is constantly in motion, and readily fills in anywhere she is needed.

Before working in the dental field Alena fulfilled her love for the elderly by working in a nursing home, but then found herself being drawn to dentistry through her father in law, a retired dentist. This made for an easy transition into a dental career.

When not at the office Alena enjoys rollerblading, basketball, babysitting, and playing board games with family. She currently lives in New Market with her boyfriend, his son, and Charlie her beloved labradoodle.

Interacting with patients and the amazing staff she works with are Alena’s most rewarding aspects of working at Rock Ridge. Whatever your age, from the youngest child to the eldest of patients, Alena will make sure your experience here is wonderful.

Heather Wiles

Heather came to us in the fall of 2019 working the front desk, and assisting on the side when needed.  While in dental assisting school in 2015 she had interned with Dr. Brian, and swore she would come back one day to work full time for him. After 4 years she did just that, finally joining the Rock Ridge team.

Living in downtown Mt. Airy makes for an easy commute for Heather, and most days you’ll see her walking to work. She loves spending time with her husband Adam, the love of her life, and their children. Heather also enjoys playing guitar, mandolin, piano, and singing. She is an avid nature lover and favors hiking in the mountains.  Traveling with her family, cooking, and drawing are a few more of Heather’s passions.

You’ll find Heather at the front desk, assisting in the back, in the financial department, or doing Zoom whitening. She lights up the office with her voice and infectious smile. Heather is thrilled to be at Rock Ridge, where she finally feels at home, due to the honesty and integrity of Dr. Brian and the team. 

Diane Gieck

Diane joined Rock Ridge Dentistry in January of 2020 as our front desk receptionist. She has brought much order, honesty, and integrity to the office.  You will hear her “Sponge Bob” laugh reverberating through the office daily.

Diane and her husband Carmine are high school sweethearts and will be celebrating their 30^th anniversary this year!  They enjoy spending time with their daughter and son in law, their dog Comet, and their 2 “grandogs”.  Diane grew up in Long Island, NY., and from there lived in Las Vegas until she made her home in Frederick, Md., where she has lived with her family for the past 19 years. Diane is passionate about healthy eating and living a healthy lifestyle. She loves walking, yoga, and recently started pursuing kayaking

She has worked in the dental field for over 18 years, and we are privileged to have her with us here at the office!