1530 Doris Drive
Fort Atkinson WI 53538

Fort Family Dental
Meet Our Team

Our merged dental practice (formerly separate practices of Highland Dental and Fort Family Dental) is a locally owned and operated dental practice that has been providing outstanding dental services to residents of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Whitewater, Cambridge and other surrounding communities since 1970s.  We are conveniently located at 1530 Doris Drive, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538; right next to the Fort Atkinson High School.

 

Dr. Brenda Garrison, DDS

Born and raised in southern Wisconsin, Dr. Garrison and her family are active, committed members of the Fort Atkinson community. After receiving her undergraduate and DDS degrees from Marquette University, Dr. Garrison and her husband, James, lived in southern Colorado for two years. While she thoroughly enjoyed her time at an all-children’s practice, Dr. Garrison knew that her heart was back closer to family in the Midwest.

Dr. Garrison loves practicing dentistry and caring for members of her community. She is also active in her church, Bethany Lutheran, in Fort Atkinson. She plays piano, clarinet, and has also started learning the cello! An outdoor enthusiast, she is looking forward to resuming activities which include running, cycling, competing in triathlons, and hiking. She also enjoys traveling, baking, puzzles, and trivia.

Dr. Garrison and her husband, James,  live with their three daughters and one son in Fort Atkinson.

Dr. Sara Podoll, DDS

Dr. Podoll received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry. After graduation she was offered the opportunity to complete a highly sought after dental residency program at the Veterans Hospital in Portland, OR. She was honored to have the opportunity to work with those who had served our country, while advancing her dental education, skills, and techniques beyond that of what is taught in dental school.

After her residency at the Veterans Hospital, Dr. Podoll relocated back to Wisconsin and began working as a Family Dentist in the Chippewa Valley. It was here that she met her loving husband, Curt, and the two of them had their first child. Eventually they decided to move back to her husband’s home town of Fort Atkinson, to raise their children around family they love.

Dr. Jamie Mandigo, DDS

Dr. Jamie Mandigo grew up in a small town in northeastern Wisconsin. Her father was the local dentist and she grew up going into the office to clean, assist, and help out wherever she could. She saw that patients were treated like family and knew that when she joined a practice, she wanted to continue that tradition – treat patients just how she would want her family to be treated. She is honored to join both Drs. Garrison and Podoll who have a similar mindset.

Dr. Mandigo graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry and has had the opportunity to practice in a variety of settings including teaching at the dental school. She is a member of the American Dental Society, the Waukesha Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society.

When not in the office, Dr. Mandigo can be found spending time with her husband, Greg, and their four children. (Maybe taxiing her four children would be more accurate!) She is active in her church and enjoys reading, hiking, sewing, and playing board games.

CURT

Hi, my name is Curt and I am the Office Manager at Fort Family Dental and husband of our lovely dentist, Dr. Sara Podoll. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and have over 10 years of experience managing businesses in the medical field. I am a lifetime member of the American Association of Dental Office Management and earned my Fellow distinction within the organization in 2021.

I was born and raised in Fort Atkinson and interestingly enough, growing up, I was a patient of Fort Family Dental and the previous owner Dr. David Luisier. It has been on honor to take over this amazing dental practice with my wife and maintain its legacy of being a premier choice for dentistry within Fort Atkinson and the surrounding communities.

TRACI

Hello, my name is Traci.  I started with Fort Family Dental in the Spring of 2022 as the Office Coordinator.  In my prior career I worked as a Medical Assistant before transitioning into the business side of healthcare/dentistry.  The favorite part of my job is getting to know all the wonderful patients at our office and listening to the unique stories they share with me!

My husband and I currently live in Milton, WI.  We have two children named Logan and Scarlett.  In my spare time I enjoy camping, helping my daughter with her 4-H adventures, and spending time outdoors with my family.

TINA

A friendly face and a welcome greeting is what you will receive!

Hello, my name is Tina. I’m one of the office coordinators at Fort Family Dental. With 30 years of experience as an administrator, I care for every patient as an individual and love that they entrust us with their dental care.

I am blessed to have an amazing husband, Mike, and three wonderful adult children. I enjoy camping, crafting, and visiting with friends and family. I look forward to helping you smile!

JILL

Hello, my name is Jill and I have been a Dental Hygienist with Fort Family Dental for 25 years.  I have been blessed to work in the same city I was born and raised in.  I love getting to know my patients, and enjoy helping them achieve the dental health they desire.  In addition, I highly value the family-like personal relationships I’ve established through the years.  In my free time I enjoy camping and traveling with my husband and 2 sons.

KIM

Hi my name is Kim Ley.  I am a mother of two children, Kirsten and Logan.  My husband Lyle and I raised our children on a farm just outside of Fort Atkinson.  We have enjoyed raising horses, Labradors and sharing our knowledge for horses, dogs, hunting and the outdoors with our children, and many others.  Trail riding and showing horses are my favorite past times.

I have been in the dental industry for 30+ years.  I started as a dental assistant, while I was continuing my education as a Dental Hygienist.  I have been a part of the Fort Family Dental team for over 20 years.  My passion in the industry has grown as I take continuing education courses, allowing me to give the best care to my patients.

DANIELLE

Hi my name is Danielle.  I have been a Dental Hygienist for 11 years and worked as a Dental Assistant for many years prior.  I enjoy connecting with and getting to know the many different patients I see throughout the year.  When I am away from the office I enjoy being around my family and spending time with my two daughters Lilah and Evie.

DIANE

Hi- my name is Diane Zweifel and I live with my husband Stan and pooch Georgie in Whitewater. After graduating from Marquette University with a BS degree I started my journey as a dental hygienist traveling to four states. We returned to Wisconsin with our four kids to be closer to our families. My first joy is spending time with my six grandkids. I also enjoy traveling, going to concerts, cheering on Marquette Basketball, and reading.

It’s immensely fulfilling to be part of this great dental family. It’s very satisfying to see the difference I can make in improving the dental health of our patients through education and skilled care.

Sara

Hi, my name is Sara. I am one of the dental hygienists and have been working in the dental field for about 10 years. From day one of working at Fort Family Dental the team has made me feel like family, and I know our patients feel the same way. I enjoy getting to meet the patients, making relationships and educating them about good oral health to help them achieve their dental goals.

I grew up in Milton and still live there with my husband, Nick. We have one fur baby named Thor. Outside of the office I love traveling and planning the next weekend getaway or cruise destination. I enjoy going to Brewer games with my husband and spending time with family and friends.

JENTRI

Hello! My name is Jentri!! I graduated in 2004 from MATC and began my career in dentistry. In the last two decades there have been so many advances in the dental field. I am the lead dental assistant at Fort Family Dental, having previously been the lead assistant at Highland Dental with Dr. Garrison. My goal is to continue to educate myself and our patients so they can feel at ease while in our office and leave with a confident smile.

Outside of the office I have three amazing children: Dakota, Landyn, and Kinsley. (And I can’t forget about my grand-pup, Jäger!) We currently reside in Jefferson. Free time, I’m mostly likely on the softball field with my daughter or watching my son act on stage.

SOL

Hola, my name is Sol. I am a dental assistant here at Fort Family Dental. Yes, I speak Spanish. I’ve been a dental assistant for several years. I am dedicated to providing good quality care and a soft touch to my patients. My main priority is to have my patients feel comfortable and have a good patient experience. I am a wife and have 3 beautiful kids. I love to spend time in nature with my family.

MJ

Hi! My  name is MJ. I’ve been working here at Fort Family Dental for over two years with Dr. Garrison. I did my clinicals through Blackhawk Technical College at Highland Dental before the office merged with Fort Family Dental. I live in Janesville with my husband, Elijah. Outside of the office I enjoy baking delicious treats and trying new recipes!

HAILIE

Hi, my name is Hailie and I am a dental assistant here at Fort Family Dental. I have over 2 years of experience as a dental assistant, and I have worked previously for a pediatric dental office. I enjoy getting to know the patients that come into the office and making them happy with the outcome we help provide for them. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.

MADDY

Hi, my name is Maddy. I started at Fort Family Dental in 2024 as a dental assistant and have a prior background as a CNA for 10 years. I love connecting with patients and making them laugh and feel comfortable! I’m the mother of a sweet boy named Braylen and enjoy spending all of my free time with him and my boyfriend, Jake.

TOVE

Hello, my name is Tove. I was born and raised in Madison, WI. I spend a lot of time out training and playing with my dogs, as well as getting ready for hunting season with my family. In high school I always had a passion for the dental field because it is a unique part of health care. I am currently in dental hygiene school, so most of my time is dedicated to learning more about dentistry and patient care.

I have been a dental assistant at Fort Family Dental since the spring of 2024. I love working here because all of the amazing people I work with have allowed me to not only deepen my understanding of dental care, but have also inspired me with their compassion and commitment to patient care.

Everyone’s dedication has shown me how profound of an impact dental care has on our patients, and I am truly fortunate to be part of this team!