(702) 867-2745Get to know the
Willow Springs Staff
Get to know the
Dr. McRae earned his dental degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated at the top of his class. While there, he received advanced training in implantology and oral surgery. He received several accolades during his training including the award for Outstanding Achievements and Performance in Undergraduate Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Excellence in Endodontics (root canals) and was honored with a membership in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Originally from Riverside, California, Dr. McRae earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, where he studied Biology. He also met and married his wife Janelle while at SUU, and now they have five beautiful children, Braxton, Millie, Jordan, Rosell, and Lettie. When not busy completing continuing education to further enhance his mastery of dentistry, Dr. McRae can be found enjoying the outdoors and time with his family.
Dr. Emett earned his bachelor’s degree from Dixie State University, then went on to receive his dental training at UNLV School of Dental Medicine. During dental school, he was able to participate in numerous advanced courses and honors programs, including receiving leading-edge training in prosthodontics and endodontics. Dr. Emett has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about delivering excellent patient care, traits shared by the entire Willow Springs Dental staff.
Dr. Emett was raised in Saint George, Utah and it was there that he met his wife, Jaimie. Together they have 2 darling girls, Ellie and Ava. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and playing or watching soccer.
Traci has been with the Willow Springs Dental team for 30 years. She has had several roles over the years, including dental assisting, insurance coordinator, accounts manager and for the last 23 years, office manager. Her passion for dentistry shows as she regularly creates relationships with her patients and is here to meet the needs for each and every one. She enjoys the benefits of helping people smile again and seeing the confidence that brings. She has a son who is a private pilot and flies with him as much as she can. Her daughter is at CHAMBERLAIN University College of Nursing studying to be a nurse. When she is not at work, she is usually hiking Red Rock or Mt. Charleston, or spending time with her friends, family and 2 dogs; a miniature dachshund named Dexter and her rescue named Daisy.
Ashley Gonzalez, originally from Chicago, Illinois has lived in Las Vegas for over 15 years. She appreciates having the opportunity to help our wonderful patients and to see the smiles and happiness that caring for them and their dental health can bring. Ashley has been in the dental field for about 5 years now and she continues to grow and learn every day. Outside of the office, she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, working out and traveling.
Wendee is a native of Las Vegas and began her career in dentistry in 1981 as a dental assistant. She attended both UNLV and Community College of Southern Nevada where she completed her degree in 1991 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She was also honored to receive the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award for Clinical Excellence. In 1997, she became one of the first laser certified hygienists in the state. She has completed several extensive Soft Tissue Periodontal Programs which raises the quality of care she provides for her patients. She believes that educating patients helps them make the best decisions regarding their overall health. Wendee joined the Willow Springs Dental team in 2007 and considers her peers and patients to not only be friends, but family. She shares her home with her husband, Dave, who is also a native of Vegas and a commercial helicopter pilot. They are avid Formula One race fans, enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, cooking and just having fun.
Shannon Thomason is a second-generation Las Vegas native with almost her entire family still living here. She has been with Willow Springs Dental 9 years. Her first and foremost passion is her family, especially her beautiful grandchildren. Her other passions include fitness, nutrition, weightlifting, motorcycles, and anything that takes her outside. She feels grateful to have had so many people put their trust in her through the years to help bring and keep them in good health. She continues to learn and grow in profession by taking continuing education classes and seminars to learn the latest dental and periodontal health techniques, technology and advances in medicine. She has always felt the hunger for knowledge as we are advancing in dentistry so rapidly. She has amazing patients and loves that she considers them as friends that she gets to hang out with and take care of.
Jennifer (Jen) Ashton Is proud to say that she has been a dental hygienist with our practice for over 30 years. Jen feels especially proud to be working under Dr. McRae's direction as she feels he is one of the most proficient dentists she has ever worked with. Jen enjoys providing a health care related service to the community as well as to her family and friends. In fact, many of her initial patients have become valued friends.
In addition to her dental hygiene career, Jennifer serves as President and CEO of the Lauren Elizabeth Foundation. After the loss of her daughter Lauren Elizabeth in September 2018, Jen, husband Rod and son Jordan were determined to keep Lauren’s memory and name alive. “Lauren was brilliant, kind and was a passionate animal advocate. As a family, we feel forming this organization in her name is a way to honor Lauren and her passion to help all abused, neglected and overlooked animals." Lauren’s rescued service dog Ivy is a perfect example of how animal rescue and advocacy helps recipients on “both ends of the leash”.
Maggie is a native of Las Vegas and feels blessed to be apart of the Willow Springs dental team. She graduated with her bachelors degree from Utah Tech University in 2019. She understands coming to the dental office is not always easy, especially for those who may have had bad dental experiences in the past. She is warm and welcoming, seeking to make her patients feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. She loves all things oral hygiene from product recommendations to tips & tricks for the most optimal results. She continues to learn and grow in the profession by taking various continuing education courses on periodontal health and disease prevention.
Outside of the office you can find her spending time with her high school sweetheart, Michael, and their beloved dog, Payne, rescue Pitbull & German Shepherd mix. She loves to travel, spend time with family and friends, practice yoga & anything self-care related.
Bio Coming Soon!
Janice Saribay, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii moved here with her family in 2006. She has been with the Willow Springs Dental team for 12 years. She received her education in Architectural Drafting, but her passion transformed into dentistry and she became a dental assistant. To further her career, she received her Associates of Science Degree at the College of Southern Nevada. Her work ethic reflects her personality: honest and caring. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, reading and traveling.
Nichole is a Las Vegas native and has been an assistant for 11 years, receiving her education from PIMA medical. Joining our team in June of 2022, Nichole has truly enjoyed getting to know all of our lovely patients. Nichole's passion for improving patient's smiles shows with her outstanding patient care. When not at work Nichole likes to spend her time with her family, including her husband Derek, her daughter Emery and their 4 dogs. Together they are huge on sports (GO KNIGHTS), outdoor activities and health and fitness.