Meet Our Staff
Sonja Bornhijm, Office Administrator
As office administrator for 17 years, Sonja wears many hats at Andante Endodontics to ensure the practice runs as a well-oiled machine in support of exceptional patient care. With a background in health care administration and her compassion for helping others, Sonja enjoys working closely with referring dentists and their staff to ensure continuity of care; providing high-quality, cost effective endodontic care for all patients. She especially enjoys educating patients on proper dental hygiene and understanding their treatment. Sonja is highly knowledgeable of clinical conditions and post-operative care and is considered a “guru” around the office when it comes to her experience working with dental insurance companies.
Sonja graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, with a degree in Health Care Administration. During her free time, she enjoys being a wife and mother to her two young children, cooking, snorkeling and scuba diving. She also enjoys the lifestyle that living in Colorado affords as an avid skier and novice mountain biker.
Krista Degerness, Office Manager
Krista has provided compassionate patient care and effective team leadership at Andante Endodontics for 15 years. She began her career as a sterilization technician for the practice and worked her way up to office manager through dedication, personal motivation and furthering her education. She holds several degrees and certifications, including a CPR and X-ray certificate in 2002 and a Master of Education degree from Regis University in 2016. Krista finds her work with patients especially rewarding, helping to promote excellence in care by directly connecting with patients and providing an elevated level of comfort and support. Krista, a teacher by profession, is usually in her classroom during the school year, but she manages the practice during summer, holidays and Monday afternoons.
In her free time, Krista enjoys singing in her church choir, snowboarding and visiting family in Minnesota. A talented artist, Krista’s work can be seen throughout the office — most notably the painting of the family’s beloved farm in the waiting room. She is most proud of her volunteer work; training teachers and supporting student safety in Cambodia.
Erica Sanchez, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant, EDDA
Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) to Andante Endodontics with 25 years of experience.
She has enjoyed a rewarding and fulfilling career in the field of dentistry and furthered her education and training to earn her dental assistant certification in 2004 from the Pima Medical Institute.
Erica believes in personalized care and works with each patient to address any questions or concerns they may have regarding their treatment.
Most rewarding to her is being able to provide patients with a sense of comfort and understanding of their endodontic treatment. Erica joined Andante Endodontics in 2017.
Ashley Dewaele, Front Office Administrator
Ashley is the friendly face and voice patients first encounter at Andante Endodontics. With a background in business communications and a licensed financial planner, Ashley enjoys building relationships with patients and assisting them with their insurance and scheduling needs. Her outgoing personality puts patients at ease and is evidenced by her ability to put a smile on their faces following treatment. Ashley joined the Andante Endodontics team in 2017.
Ashley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business communications from Cleveland State University. An Ohio native, she enjoys photography, art, travel and volunteering.
She is most proud of her experience hiking 500 miles across the country and volunteering with various humanitarian organizations and animal shelters along the way.
Allison Hefner, Marketing & Communications
Allison is a seasoned health care marketing and communications professional with more than 10 years of experience. She enjoys getting to know patients and dental professionals, learning about their experiences and building relationships. What she finds most rewarding about her role at Andante Endodontics is promoting the good works of the practice and being part of such a dedicated team. Allison joined the Andante Endodontics family in 2017.
Allison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Syracuse University. She is most proud of earning a Gold Leaf Award for excellence in communications from the Colorado Healthcare Communicators in 2006. A native New Yorker – minus the accent — Allison has fully embraced the Colorado lifestyle and enjoys skiing, paddle boarding, yoga and trail running. She especially loves going on adventures with her two young sons.
Grooming Credit: A Cut Above Dog GroomingPetra, Canine Companion/Therapy Dog
You don’t have to graduate with a degree to have a distinguished pedigree. Petra, a 10-year-old Bichon-Frise, is an integral and valued part of the Andante Endodontics team. She has a perfect attendance record, working alongside Dr. Degerness to provide comfort and support to patients undergoing endodontic treatment. Unique to our practice, canine companions like Petra can decrease stress levels, provide a more relaxing environment and build trust between patients and care providers. Petra joined Andante Endodontics in 2007.