Spotlight on Staff
Fall 2024/25
In this edition of Dentistry News, we shine the spotlight on Lisa Stachow-Swales, who was recently recognized for her service anniversary milestone of 25 years with Western University! Read about her journey with us below.
Before beginning her career in Dentistry, Lisa Stachow-Swales completed her first job as a certified dental assistant following her graduation from a dental assistant program. She covered a maternity leave at an orthodontic office near Oxford and Richmond in London, where she quickly adapted to wearing multiple hats as a new graduate. Her responsibilities included chairside assisting, front desk management, reception duties, managing a one-write system, handling deposits, balancing books, and performing lab work such as making models and retainers.
Lisa joined the main dental clinic dispensary on September 7, 1996, as a term employee and transitioned to a sessional employee on January 1, 1999. This September will mark an impressive 28 years with the clinic. She worked in the dispensary for six years before moving to the children's clinic, where she has been for the past 22 years. In addition to her roles in both the adult and children's clinics, she assisted Dr. Bill Gray for 12 years in the multifunctional clinic. In November, Lisa will have completed three years working in the DSCU, assisting with pediatric dentistry under general anesthesia. She described the role as very rewarding to help children in need of treatment.
"COVID certainly brought forward several challenges into dentistry," Lisa shared, "but I was glad to be part of a collaborative team that was able to negotiate the troubling times to be able to serve our patients as well as to provide the necessary work for our students."
Lisa really enjoys working with dental students, and finds it incredibly rewarding to see them grow in confidence and skill while providing compassionate care to our young patients.
On a personal note, Lisa and her husband Ross have been together for 24 years and married for 21 years. They have two daughters: Madalyn, 20, who will be starting her third year at Western studying kinesiology, and Olivia, 17, who will be entering grade 12 in the fall with plans to apply to Western. Their beloved pet Maci, a Maltipoo, will turn six in the fall.
Lisa's hobbies include working out, golfing, spending time with family and friends, and shopping. She also loves to travel. This past February, her family was thrilled to cross off a bucket list item by taking a cruise to Hawaii, which was an amazing experience.
Lisa believes her hard work and dedication to the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has allowed her to elevate her skills while working passionately in a profession she thoroughly enjoys. "Having the opportunity to coordinate the operations of the pediatric clinic has been very rewarding," she said, "and I look forward to many more years at the school."
