Our Team Members


Melissa Mortinsen



Office Manager



"I have worked in the dental field since 2007 as an office coordinator, dental assistant, and now as an office manager.


I love working in the dental field because it is nice to see patients go from rarely smiling to smiling all the time. It feels great to know what a difference we can make in someone's smile and life.


I have been married since 2001. I am a mother of three boys. I enjoy watching my kids and husband participate in sports. When they are not playing sports, I enjoy spending time outside and entertaining with friends and family."



Mallory Hartman



Business Coordinator



“Hello, it's me! I graduated from Career Quest in early 2019 for Medical Billing and Coding. I worked in the medical field a little over a year before being offered a position at this wonderful dental practice of Portnoy & Tu, DDS, PC. I enjoy meeting all the patients and being able to help answer all their questions and concerns regarding to their dental experience. I am enjoying the learning process of all aspects of dental field.


My little family is made up of my amazing significant other since 2010. Our spunky daughter, Maddi, and gentle giant pup, Armina. We enjoy spending our days with family and friends, swimming, hunting and exploring the nature.


I love food, cloud formations and everything turtley.”



Angelina Bandurski, RDH



Registered Dental Hygienist



"I graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Dental Hygiene. I began working in the dental field when I was sixteen as a co-op student. This opportunity led me to desire to become a dental hygienist. Through my experience and ability to be mentored, I have grown greatly in my career and expect to always continue to grow.


My goal is to help give patients the ability to keep their smile healthy for a lifetime. My husband, Steve, and I live in Howell with our children and our dog, Chachi. We enjoy running, traveling and spending time with our families. I have been working for Dr. Portnoy and Dr. Tu since 2012."



Catherine Rivera, RDH



Registered Dental Hygienist



"Hello, my name is Catherine. I am a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and I received my Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Lansing Community College. I have over 11 years of dental experience as a dental assistant, insurance biller, and receptionist.


As your dental hygienist, it is my top priority to make you feel welcome and comfortable. I also believe in giving you the best information so you are better equipped to maintain your oral health at home.


I live in Holt with my husband, children and 1 dog. My family is everything to me! I love to spend all of my free time with my family and friends."



Mali Vue, CDA



Certified Dental Assistant



"Hello, my name is Mali Vue. I am a Certified Dental Assistant. I graduated from Ross Medical School. I have been a dental assistant for 9 years. I love working with children and adults in helping them to understand how important it is to maintain a good oral health. I love all aspects of dentistry! It is rewarding to see that I'm part of a team to help and maintain patients' optimum oral health.


I live in Lansing with my wonderful little family-my husband,two sons, and a daughter. We love spending time together-fishing, shopping and traveling."



Liz Brodbeck



Dental Assistant



"Hello, my name is Liz Brodbeck. I have been dental assisting for more than 20 years. I started with on the job training and took my examination to get my x-ray certification. I have training in general dentistry and hospital dentistry. The best part of being a dental assistant is helping people.


I am married to my high school sweetheart. We have a crop farm in Lake Odessa. I help out with cooking meals for the farmers when they are in the fields.


We have two children. Our dog - Dixie, our cat - Miguel.



Fran Ford



Dental Assistant



"My name is Fran. I have worked in the dental field for over 25 years. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. I never imagined this would become my life's passion. I started out billing insurance and worked my way up to running the front office of two small dental practices. I enjoy interacting with patients and their families. Each patient is unique, each brings personal challenges, as well as many rewards. I was given an amazing opportunity recently to be trained in other position within the dental practice of Portnoy and Tu, DDS, PC. This is a very exciting and challenging learning experience! Each day brings new experiences and personal growth. For this, I am truly blessed.


I live in Saint Johns with my husband Ross and two basset hounds, Bubs and Feeney. I have two grown children. Steven, who lives in Sweden, and Jenny, who lives in California. I also have grandchildren. We enjoy road trips, hiking, and puttering in the backyard."



Taylor Hartman



Dental Assistant



"Hello, my name is Taylor. I started my dental journey in 2013. I was working at an office whose main focus was treating children.


I am currently continuing my dental education to work toward becoming a Certified Dental Assistant and ultimately ending as a Registered Dental Assistant.


My hobbies include Acryllic Painting, being with my 3 Siberian Huskies Lobo, Koda, and Sunnie. And whenever the opportunity presents itself, Shark Diving is one of my most enjoyable activities."





2476 Jolly Road, Okemos MI, 48864, USA



Portnoy & Tu, DDS, PC - Family Dentistry