I started working with my dad as a dental assistant when I was 11 years old and knew very quickly that I want to attend the University of Michigan School of Dental Hygiene to become a RDH. Very goal oriented, I did just that. I graduated in 1973 and moved to Bern, Switzerland to practice hygiene for 3 ½ years. I then returned to my hometown of Harbor Springs to practice with my dad. Then, in 1981 travel lust moved me to California where I practiced in periodontal and general offices until 1985 when I founded Graham Placement Agency, a placement service specialized for Dental Hygienists and Dentists, what I know best.
Meeting my goals for personal empowerment and supporting the dental field with choices for employment opportunities has been most meaningful for me. I am enriched from connecting with other professionals, employment coaching and producing high-end continuing education seminars. This creates a comprehensive offering for the people I serve and meets my needs to strive for excellence. I often use jokes to have fun!
Liz often jokes that I could change my last name to “Donnay” to make it easier for people to remember how to pronounce my name; then it would be Chardonnay, just like the wine! Sometimes Liz is silly.
I am a native Oregonian from Albany. I attended Linn-Benton Community College and then Northwest College in Kirkland, Washington. I settled in Seattle working with a large insurance company.
I became a Californian in 1974 when I moved to the North-bay area and worked as an Operations Officer for 15 years in the banking industry.
I joined Graham Placement Agency in 1990 and have been here since. My husband Jack and I live on our 65-foot sailboat. We love the water and relaxed lifestyle and whenever possible, love to travel.
I like interacting with people and love the warm care giving qualities of people in the dental profession. This job is truly almost too much fun!
