Our Story
Sawtooth Dental has been caring for the Methow Valley for more than 50 years. What began with Dr. Bob Maves Jr. was later carried on by John and Jeanette O’Keefe, who served the community for more than two decades before passing the practice on to its next generation.
Today, Dr. Rob Rosenthal and Dr. Kat Behla continue that legacy, combining decades of local history with modern dentistry and a deeply personal approach to care. Through every chapter, Sawtooth has remained a small-town practice built around the people who call this valley home.
Meet the Staff
Dr. Robert Rosenthal
Rob fell in love with the Methow Valley while working as a smokejumper in the North Cascades from 2010–2017. During that time, he met his wife, Erin, and began pursuing dentistry between fire seasons. After serving as a community health dentist in Brewster, he returned to Twisp to practice in the valley.
One of Rob’s favorite parts of dentistry is a restorative project. Seeing a tooth that’s broken down and providing it the right TLC to restore it back to life brings him joy.
Favorite Dental Product:
Trident — because it helps clean carbs off your teeth.
Hobbies:
When he’s not in the office, Rob enjoys running and skiing throughout the Methow Valley and throwing the football with his son.
Dr. Katarina Behla
Kat grew up in Snohomish, Washington and was drawn to the Methow Valley after Spending the last 6 months of dental school in Okanogan. She’s happy to call the Valley, home.
Kat’s passion for rural dentistry comes from being able to provide specialized care that’s local and accessible. Her favorite procedure is wisdom teeth removal – A preventative surgery that avoids infections and jaw pain. She also received advanced training in root canals, implant surgery, and IV sedation during her residency at the University of Las Vegas. Drawn to dentistry from her art background, She has an eye for esthetics and also brings experience of cosmetic injectables to Sawtooth Dental.
Favorite Dental Product:
Tongue Scraper - more effective than toothbrush to clean off bacteria
Hobbies: Kat enjoys backcountry skiing, biking, Spending time with her partner, Thor, Snuggling and reading a book with her dog, Gimli, and fun crafting sessions with friends
Sara Crum Office Manager Sara has had the joy of growing alongside Sawtooth Dental for many years. She started at the practice when her children were young, and somehow, they’re both in college now. A Methow Valley local, Sara is grateful to serve the community where she grew up. As Office Manager, she loves welcoming patients to the practice and helping everyone feel at home. She lives in the valley with her husband and their three cuddly wiener dogs, who keep life interesting and provide plenty of laughs. Favorite Dental Product: Spearmint toothpaste, preferably one that doesn’t end up all over her shirt. Hobbies: Long walks, hiking local trails, picnics, and adventures, especially when they take her to the ocean.
Jennifer Elden Front Office Jennifer has worked at the front desk of Sawtooth Dental for many years. She enjoys being a part of such a supportive team and community that excites her to come into work. Jennifer moved to the Methow Valley in 2014 with her husband and two daughters from Woodinville, WA. Before that she lived in Colorado for 20 years. Earlier in her career, she worked as a corporate meeting planner and in the ski industry in sales and Marketing. Favorite Dental Product: Waterpik Flosser, CuraProx brushes (which she loves to call, “Little Christmas Trees”) and BioGaia Probiotic Mint Lozenges. Hobbies: Jennifer enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, alpine and Nordic Skiing, learning Sign language, Cycling, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, gardening and baking.
Gisela Covarrubias Front Desk Gisela brings 15 years of healthcare experience to Sawtooth Dental, with a background supporting adults with developmental disabilities as a healthcare navigator, coach, and educator. Throughout her career, her focus has remained the same: helping people feel supported, valued, and cared for. Gisela has called the Methow Valley home since 2014, where she and her husband are raising their five children. Favorite Dental Product: Waterpik - it’s so convenient and great for cleaning out food between the teeth! Hobbies: You’ll most likely find Gisela cheering from the sidelines. Whether she’s at the soccer field, football field, baseball field, or a school sporting event, she loves supporting her kids and celebrating their accomplishments.
Kylie White Registered Dental Assistant + Phlebotomist + Front Desk Kylie is a Registered Dental Assistant, phlebotomist, and cosmetic teeth whitening specialist who now also helps keep things running at the front desk. She loves helping patients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their smiles. A Twisp local, Kylie spends much of her time on her family’s ranch, where she and her husband, Cody, ride horses, work cattle, and attend rodeos. She’s currently working towards her license in cosmetology in Chelan, enjoys making jewelry, and growing her small business of teeth whitening. Favorite Dental Product: Whitening Trays - I love being able to have a brighter smile! Hobbies: Riding horses, working cattle, going to rodeos, snowmobiling, and spending time outdoors.
Feliciea Ayers Registered Dental Assistant + Phlebotomist Feliciea is a 6th Generation Methow Valley local, with roots in the valley that run deep. Her interest in dentistry started young, watching her mom work as a dental assistant. By high school, she began working in dentistry (since 2004), and has been in the field ever since. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know her patients and caring for people in the community she grew up in. Feliciea’s passion for learning pushed her to continue her education and take her Dental assistant career to the next level. Starting Sept. 2026, she will begin the Expanded Dental Functions program and be board certified to place dental fillings. Favorite Dental Product: Ultrasonic dental appliance cleaner, an easy way to keep retainers, night guards, dentures, and other dental appliances clean and fresh. Hobbies: Spending time with family, gardening, and hiking around the Methow Valley.
Drew Varrelman Lead Dental Assistant and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Drew is 4th generation member of her family’s ranch at Alta Lake, where she grew up surrounded by horses, the outdoors, and a strong connection to the land. From a young age she spent her time on trail rides and pack trips through the Pasayten and Sawtooth Wilderness with her grandfather. Drew has been part of the Sawtooth team since 2015, building her career in dentistry while developing a strong connection to the patients and community. Last year, she continued her education to become an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary, specializing in restorative dentistry and fillings. Favorite Dental Product: Sonicare Toothbrush Hobbies: Riding Horses, Camping, spending time with loved ones.
Princess Lasao Registered Dental Assistant Princess began dental school in the Philippines right after graduating from high school, where she discovered a love for patient care and learning. Three years ago, she made the move to the Methow Valley and has been building a new career and community here ever since. She’s currently continuing her education in the U.S. and loves growing her skills while helping patients feel comfortable, welcome, and confident in their smiles. Favorite Dental Product: Floss, because healthy smiles start with the little things. Hobbies: Fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors around the Methow Valley.
Blu Germaine Registered Dental Assistant Blu grew up in the Methow Valley, where winters meant skiing and summers meant floating the river. Those early years gave her a love for being outside and a strong connection to the close-knit community she still calls home. Being at Sawtooth since 2022, she brings a joyful easygoing spirit to her work and loves helping patients feel comfortable and at home. Additionally, Blu is working on continuing her education with the Expanded Functions Dental Program where she will be board certified to place fillings. Favorite Dental Product: GuruNanda Butter on Gums toothbrush for its gentle, refreshing feel. Hobbies: Fishing, Friends and Food! As well as getting outside whenever she can.
Emma Cannon Sterilization Technician Emma was born and raised in the methow valley. Her family has been here for over 35 years. The valley is her favorite place because of the mountains and the magic within them. Emma grew up riding horses and has future dreams of owning land that is full of cattle and horses. Emma enjoys the coziness and beauty of the fall here in the Valley, and will likely be outside enjoying all the vibrant colors. Emma started at Sawtooth in 2026 and is excited to start her dental career journey. Favorite Dental Product: Mouthwash - keeps the mouth feeling fresh! Hobbies: Riding horses, hunting, being with my family and boyfriends family, going on drives in the mountains.
Hailey Damman Registered Dental Hygienist Born and raised in Twisp, Hailey returned home after graduating from Eastern Washington University’s Dental Hygiene program in 2025. She’s proud to now care for patients in the same community where she grew up. Hailey provides routine hygiene care and composite fillings, with a focus on making patients feel comfortable, informed, and heard. She enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them build healthy habits they can carry with them outside the office. Favorite Dental Product: Oral-B iO toothbrush, a great tool for keeping teeth healthy at home. Hobbies: Reading, traveling, spending time with family, and hanging out with her Mini Heeler, Harper.
Alison Talbot Registered Dental Hygienist Alison loves helping patients build healthy habits that support both their smiles and their overall well-being. She believes dental care can and should be a positive experience, and she works to make every visit feel comfortable and approachable. She especially enjoys helping patients find simple, practical ways to take better care of their teeth at home. Favorite Dental Product: Cordless Waterpik and GuruNanda expandable floss for an easy, thorough clean. Hobbies: Fishing, swimming, hiking, and exploring the valley with her kids.
Sue Scharnickel Registered Dental Hygienist Sue has been in the dental field since the year 2000. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she moved to Twisp in 2018 with her husband, Brad, and is grateful to now care for patients in the community she calls home. Sue enjoys helping patients understand their oral health and giving them the tools and knowledge to keep their teeth healthy for a lifetime. At home, life stays busy running a small business, spending time with her four boys and a household full of animals, including her dachshund, Lily. Favorite Dental Product: Oral B toothbrush - she likes that it has designs specifically for recession Hobbies: Kayaking, RVing, riding ATVs, and spending time with her family.
Norma Shull Registered Dental Hygienist Norma has been a dental hygienist for over 25 years and has cared for patients throughout Okanogan County since 1996. She’s known for her meticulous care and her ability to make patients feel comfortable and at ease. She takes the time to explain what she’s doing and make sure patients feel confident caring for their teeth at home. For Norma, good dental care isn’t just what happens in the chair. It’s helping people build healthy habits that last. Favorite Dental Product: Biogaia - a probiotic to help restore our microbiome in the mouth Hobbies: Playing violin with the Pipestone Orchestra, downhill skiing, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Jacki Hardy Registered Dental Hygienist Jacki is a dental hygienist who loves helping patients feel comfortable and confident about their oral health. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Dental Hygiene Program at Colorado Northwestern in 2016. New to the Methow Valley, Jacki has already felt right at home thanks to the patients and neighbors who have shared advice, connections, and even help with projects. She and her partner live in a cabin they’re slowly making their own, with no shortage of renovations, indoor plants, or crystals. Favorite Dental Product: Waterpik - Great for removal of food and biofilm Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, renovating her cabin, and spending time with her two French bulldogs. She’s also always reading or listening to a book and happily accepts recommendations.
Diane Tousley Registered Dental Hygienist Diane joined Sawtooth Dental in 2022, bringing more than 25 years of experience to the practice. Originally from Santa Monica, California, she moved to Twisp in 2021 to support her family and has since embraced the close-knit community and slower rhythm of life in the Methow Valley. A graduate of West LA College, Diane loves getting to know her patients and providing the kind of thorough, gentle care that helps people feel comfortable and cared for. Favorite Dental Product: Advanced Soft-Picks Hobbies: Adventure travel, bird watching, following the changing seasons, and spending time with her partner, Amber, and their family and friends.
Caring for Our Community
We’re proud to support the community we call home through 4-H, Winthrop Rink, Twisp Baseball Field, Methow Works, Little Star, Loup Loup Ski Hill, Kiwanis, Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education, Methow PRIDE, Halloween at the Twisp Community Center, Fourth of July floats, and an annual veteran rider sponsorship for the Ride to the Rendezvous. We also participate in the University of Washington’s rural rotation program, giving pre-dental and pre-medical students the chance to spend a week with our team shadowing and learning hands-on skills.