Meet the Team

Kari

Office Administrator

When you first meet Kari, the first thing you notice is her warm smile and charismatic personality. She is the first face to greet you when visiting Forest Avenue Dental. Kari has spent more than 35 years in the dental profession, first as a Registered Dental Assistant and now as our office administrator. She is your advocate when it comes to scheduling your appointments, navigation insurances, and assuring you are seen expediently.

Her favorite part of her job is hearing all of the wonderful compliments and comments from patients about how enjoyable their dental experience was with Dr. Walker and his team. How he has a rare quality of making everyone feel as if they were family. "Everyone here is the true meaning of the word TEAM."

In her spare time, Kari enjoys playing golf, bowling, traveling, and most of all spending time with her son and daughter-in-law in Oregon. She has a cute little dog, Brody, who she says is very spoiled and very loved.

Denise

Registered Dental Assistant

Denise really enjoys working with Dr. Walker and his team. She loves meeting her wonderful patients, getting to know them, and becoming their friends. She sets up the treatment rooms, and prepares the patients for treatment, then explains what will happen during their procedure. 

Her family keeps her busy outside of work. She and her husband Mike were married in 2002. They have two amazing sons, Jayson and Bentley. They love swimming, camping, house boating, and watching both boys play sports. They also enjoy time with their family, which is spread across the US.

Vanessa

Registered Dental Assistant

Vanessa began her dental career in 2009, with previous experience assisting in orthodontics and periodontics. Now at Forest Avenue Dental, Vanessa works alongside Dr. Walker, assisting him during procedures and ensuring patient comfort. Prior to beginning any work, she explains the procedure and answers any questions our patients may have to help them feel at ease. Vanessa is bilingual fluent in English and Spanish.

Katie

Registered Dental Hygienist

Katie was born and raised in Chico. She attended Pleasant Valley High School and studied public health at Chico State. She received her dental hygiene degree and Diode laser certification from Taft College in 2017.

Katie found her calling to the dental field while working in her father's dental practice throughout high school and college. She is thrilled to work with her father in helping the people of her community achieve beautiful healthy smiles! She enjoys educating patients on how to maintain a healthy mouth.

Outside of dentistry, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors, including lake days, hiking, and skiing.

Keleigh

Registered Dental Hygienist

Keleigh began her career as a dental hygienist in 2008 and recently joined the Forest Avenue Dental team. Her goal is to provide the best prevention methods and treatment options for gum disease, as well as educate her patients on oral hygiene and the effects of nutrition and oral health. She enjoys forming relationships with her patients and working together with them to achieve optimal oral health.

Keleigh is married with one stepson and two grandchildren who are the light of her life. She and her husband love to camp, ride Quads and spend their days on Lake Oroville. Her favorite time of year is football season—she loves the Miami Dolphins!