You might be thinking, “Another person telling me to take better care of my health.” I get it. I’m not here to overwhelm you but walk this path with you. 

After two decades of treating periodontal disease, I’ve learned how connected my patients' oral health is to the rest of their body—especially the heart. The mouth often gives clues about deeper systemic issues before they show up elsewhere.

I Help Reduce the risk of Heart Disease By Improving Oral Health

A Clean Smile to a Healthy Heart

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in both general and specialized areas of dentistry. From periodontal and endodontic care to comprehensive, whole-health dentistry, I’ve seen it alot. 

My unique journey has given me a deep understanding of how interconnected oral health is with the rest of the body, and I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside some of the most skilled practitioners in the field.

With my background in dental hygiene and a focus on functional medicine principles, I help you take charge of your health in ways that fit your life. No guilt, no judgment—just compassion, straightforward guidance, and practical steps you can actually use.

Together, we’ll simplify the process and make it work for you. Better health isn’t out of reach, and I’m here to help you get there.

focuses on connecting the dots between oral health and overall wellness with a bend towards vascular health. 

My approach...

This is the only health coach certification program developed in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine—leaders in the functional medicine field.

I’m certified through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy

They know I’m not just here to treat their teeth—I’m here to help them live healthier, fuller lives. My commitment to staying on the cutting edge of research and technology means I’m always looking for new ways to serve my patients better.

As a Functional Medicine Health Coach and Dental Hygienist, I understand that oral health plays a crucial role in overall wellness. Each time a patient discovers their path to better health, it reinforces why I do this work. 

is the relationships I’ve built with my patients. 

One thing I’m especially proud of 

As a dental hygienist, I’m not just caring for teeth; I’m also actively involved in helping patients avoid conditions like heart disease. 
Oral health is a critical component of vascular health, impacting fields like cardiology, endocrinology, and even life coaching. My goal is to help patients maintain healthy smiles while reducing serious health issues.

periodontal disease and endodontic pathogen burden are key contributors to inflammatory diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Research shows that

Let’s Get Started

Your oral health reveals more than clean teeth. It’s a window into your overall well-being. That’s the difference I offer. I don’t just focus on the surface. I look deeper, helping you link your oral health to larger systemic issues—things like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Through personalized periodontal care recommendations and lifestyle coaching, I co-create a plan with your health provider to help you reduce these risks and take control of your health. My goal is to help you address your wellness head-on and get to a place where you feel empowered, not overwhelmed, by your health choices.

more energy and feeling confident that your health is on the right track. 

Imagine waking up with...

Cassi Christiansen

She is compassionate, kind, non-judgmental and she knows her stuff. She makes you feel safe as she helps you unpack it all and figure out how you’re going to put yourself back together (but in a much healthier way). She also brings a lightness to something that feels so heavy and daunting. She’s funny and I look forward to my sessions with her… which says a lot as I was scared shitless when I first called her.

"Kathleen’s approach made me feel empowered and back in control."

My approach to health hasn’t come from textbooks alone. It’s firmly planted in real-life experience. I’ve watched friends and family members struggle with and succumb to preventable diseases, and decided early on that I wanted a different path. When I discovered functional health in my late 30s, it was like a lightbulb went off. I saw how powerful the correlation between lifestyle and wellness really is. I was then introduced to the Book, “Beat the Attack Gene”, by Drs Bale and Doneen, the creators of the Bale Doneen Method of stroke and heart attack prevention. Talk about lighting a fire. 

I bring that same commitment and curiosity to my practice every day. My work is a blend of science and care, combining years of specialized dental training with a deep understanding of how oral health ties into the bigger picture. I’m constantly learning, staying on top of the latest research and techniques to make sure my patients get the best care possible.

I believe in having fun along the way. Health is serious, but the process doesn’t have to be daunting. I believe in creating an environment where my patients feel supported, confident, equipped, and maybe even a little lighter after each visit.

When you're ready to take your oral health Beyond The Brush, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

How I Expanded My Focus From Dental Hygiene to Complete Health Philosophy?

Schedule a Call

Your oral health is a window to your overall wellness. Let’s address it before it affects more than just your smile — schedule a discovery call today.

Let’s Protect Your Health Together.