Tell us a little bit about where you’re from, your interests, and what you studied.

I grew up in Monterrey, Mexico. I came to Boston to complete my specialty training in pediatric dentistry. While I was in Boston, I met my husband, Clift, who is also a dentist. We've been married for 30 years, we have four children, ages 22 to 27. Our oldest daughter is now following in our footsteps and is studying to be a dentist as well!

When I'm not at the office, I love having friends and family over to our house. I love entertaining. I also love taking nature walks and playing racket sports.

Could you briefly describe your professional career?

After graduating from Tufts Dental School in 1999, I joined my husband's dental practice, where we've worked together for over 25 years. He treats adults, and I care for children.

Being a pediatric dentist has been a gift and a privilege that has brought me immense joy and fulfillment. The real joy isn’t just about clinical care; I love helping children develop healthy, confident smiles and establish good habits that support their well-being as they grow.

What led you to this field? What do you enjoy most about it?

My path started with my own childhood experiences. I was fortunate to have a wonderful pediatric dentist. Later, getting braces completely changed how I felt about my smile and confidence. As I grew into the profession, I realized how oral health is connected to a child’s overall health and self-esteem, and that’s what continues to inspire me every day.

Can you describe a typical day at work?

My day begins at 8:30 in the morning. Arriving at the office automatically gives me an energy boost, since anticipating the wonderful families that have entrusted me with their children's oral health is both humbling and rewarding. I work with a great, caring team, and we treat families from all different backgrounds.

My first responsibility is taking care of each child's oral health. But I also try to make every child feel seen and valued. I love listening to what they're excited about, meeting them where they are, and encouraging them with a kind word, a compliment, or simply a smile.

I also enjoy encouraging parents. Raising children is one of life's greatest privileges and sources of joy, and I hope our office is a place where families feel supported as they help their children grow into happy, healthy adults.

St. Josemaría taught that work itself can become holy. How do you see your work helping to transform the world?

Each morning, I try to spend a few minutes in prayer, asking God to help me serve the patients and families he places in front of me well. Every family that I treat is deeply valued. Prayer reminds me that we are all created by God. I try to greet my staff with kindness, prepare thoughtfully for each patient, and remember that behind every procedure is a child and a family who deserve my full attention and the best care I can possibly give.

Even simple conversations become opportunities to encourage people. Instead of making someone feel guilty, I try to build them up. For example, rather than asking, "Do you brush your teeth?" I might say, "Try brushing just a little longer each day. Healthy teeth help you smile with confidence, and communicate well."

When I have a particularly challenging procedure, I often offer that effort to God for someone who needs prayers. It reminds me to stay focused and to give my very best.

How have St. Josemaría's teachings about sanctifying your work influenced your professional life?

St. Josemaría helped me understand that my first vocation is to love and serve God. It reminds me that everyday tasks done with care, to the best of my ability, is a way to live that vocation, a path to holiness and happiness.

I try to see every patient as God’s treasure, since we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Our human value is all equal regardless of our backgrounds, accomplishments, or intellectual abilities. This truth is both refreshing and liberating. It also motivates me to treat every patient with the utmost skill, care, and compassion.

How has the spirit of Opus Dei helped you see your work as a place to build friendships and bring people closer to God?

One of the greatest gifts Opus Dei has given me has been the example of many remarkable people whose friendship has shaped my life. They have taught me, by the way they live, that small acts of kindness matter. A sincere smile, listening carefully, remembering someone in prayer, encouraging another person without expecting anything in return — these simple things can have a lasting impact. The example that others have set for me inspires me each day.

Many of my patients eventually become friends. These friendships are not just a matter of frequent social interaction. Rather, they are based on genuine care: being present, listening, encouraging, and wanting what's best for the other. My hope is not to lecture anyone about faith but simply to let God’s love show through acts of kindness and good intentions. When I focus on truly caring for the person in front of me the way God cares for him or her, my friendship becomes a way of sharing my faith naturally. When I approach my patients that way, I hope to inspire them to get closer to God.

Can you share an example of the joy you've found in your work through living in God's presence and offering your work to Him?

Over the years, I've realized that work has become a path to deep peace and joy.

At first, I thought I loved my work simply because I enjoy children and families. That's certainly true — I love watching children grow from toddlers into confident young adults, often with beautiful smiles that we've helped create together.

At the same time, I've come to realize that the deepest joy comes from something more.

It comes from knowing why I work. When my work becomes an expression of loving and serving God, ordinary moments take on new meaning. Seeing each patient and coworker as someone created in God's image changes everything.

Prayer helps me remember this throughout the day. It fills work with purpose. Difficult situations become an opportunity to draw near to God. This sense of purpose brings a lasting joy that goes far beyond professional satisfaction.

I am deeply grateful for Opus Dei because it has helped me understand that seeking holiness isn't reserved for extraordinary people or extraordinary moments. It can be found in ordinary life — in our families, in our work, and in the effort to love God and serve others a little better each day.