Exceptional dentistry doesn’t just happen. It takes a dedicated team of professionals whose sole focus is providing the highest standard of care and ensuring a comfortable patient experience. We hand-select each team member not just for their high skill level but also for their genuine warmth, caring attitudes, and commitment to providing the best for our patients.
The Core Values That Guide Us
Our core values provide a roadmap for every action and interaction, guiding us to provide the same high level of care to every patient who walks through our doors.
- Health — Our comprehensive approach considers how oral health affects overall well-being. We're passionate about preventive care and education that empowers you to maintain optimal health between visits.
- Integrity — We believe in transparent communication about oral health needs and honest discussions about treatment options. We present all suitable treatment options and respect your decisions regarding your care.
- Excellence — We pursue excellence in everything we do—from the advanced technology we invest in to the continuing education our team prioritizes. We're never satisfied with "good enough" when it comes to your smile, and we continuously challenge ourselves to elevate our standard of care.
- Relationships — Our small-town roots run deep in Whitehouse, where we're not just your dental team but your neighbors and friends. We cherish long-standing connections with generations of patients; these relationships are the heart of our practice and make coming to work each day extremely rewarding.
- Teamwork — Our team collaborates seamlessly to coordinate your care from your first phone call to completing your treatment. Our front office, hygienists, assistants, and doctors communicate effectively to ensure every detail of your visit is perfect.
Call us today at (419) 877-5404 to schedule your next dental checkup!
Dr. Kristen Shumate
Owner/Dentist
Dr. Shumate founded Whitehouse Family Dental in 2014, fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a dentist. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery cum laude from The Ohio State University after graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's in chemical engineering from the University of Toledo. While studying engineering, she realized her desire to work directly with people and build her own practice.
A lifelong resident of the area, Dr. Kristen grew up just ten minutes south of Whitehouse in rural Grand Rapids, Ohio, and attended Otsego High School. Now, she and Dr. Rick live in Whitehouse with their two children, deeply connected to the community they serve.
Dr. Kristen provides comprehensive general dentistry with a specialized focus on sleep dentistry, clear aligner orthodontics, removable prosthetics, and in-office whitening. She's also skilled in fillings, composite bonding, extractions, same-day crowns, and dentures. Patients appreciate her compassionate, gentle approach and willingness to understand their needs.
What drives Dr. Kristen is encouraging others, whether helping her team strive for excellence and professional growth or supporting patients in overcoming dental anxiety and achieving optimal oral health. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her professional memberships in the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Toledo Dental Society, and Christian Medical and Dental Association.
Outside the office, Dr. Kristen is active in her church with the children's ministry. She maintains an active lifestyle with yoga, biking, running, strength training, and competing in triathlons. She particularly enjoys running and biking on the Wabash Cannonball trail and visiting Oak Openings.
Dr. Richard Shumate
Owner/Dentist
Dr. Rick Shumate has owned and practiced at Whitehouse Family Dental since 2016, bringing his expertise in implants, grafting, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry to the community. A 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Rick began his academic journey with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo before discovering his true calling in dentistry.
To provide his patients with the highest standard of care, Dr. Rick has completed extensive advanced training through prestigious programs, including the acclaimed Dawson Academy for full mouth rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry, 3D Dentists, and a specialized implant and grafting curriculum. He is also a member of the Great Black Swamp Study Club. This commitment to continuing education reflects his passion for implementing the latest advances in dentistry to benefit his patients.
What Dr. Rick values most about his practice is creating a caring environment where even the most nervous patients can feel comfortable. Having grown up in Swanton, Ohio, and graduated from Swanton High School, he brings a hometown understanding to his approach with patients.
When not caring for patients, Dr. Rick enjoys challenging himself through triathlons and golf. He remains active in his local church, where he occasionally plays keyboard in the worship band.
Dr Michael Fourman
Olivia
Treatment Coordinator
Olivia began her dental career with WFD in 2021. Since joining our team, Liv developed our hygiene coordinator position and later moved in to a treatment coordinator role. Liv also helps with the social media and in- operatory patient education.
Liv always knew she wanted to work in the medical field and enjoys educating and helping people understand their care. She is a friendly face you can rely on seeing at our front desk.
Liv is originally from Melbourne, Australia and relocated to the States with her family when she was in High School. Liv enjoys travelling, concerts and horror films. Liv also enjoy health and fitness and recently completed her personal training certification and is looking forward helping others reach their fitness goals.
Christine
Office Manager
As Office Manager at Whitehouse Family Dental since 2017, Christine Soulis brings nearly three decades of dental experience, having entered the field in 1994. She oversees daily operations, ensures office compliance, and supports the team administratively and clinically as needed. Through extensive professional development and continuing education, she has earned recognition in dental practice management.
Although she initially entered dentistry by chance, Christine quickly fell in love with the field after a mentor dentist helped her understand the "why" behind dental care. As a self-described "people person," she finds particular satisfaction in helping anxious patients become comfortable with dental procedures and appreciate the connection between oral health and overall well-being.
Outside the office, Christine is an avid traveler who has visited 47 states and multiple countries, with Greece and Italy next on her list. She's also a Disney enthusiast who hopes to visit every Disney park worldwide. A fun fact about Christine is that she has lived in six different states.
Kerry
Front Office Manager & Insurance Coordinator
Kerry joined our team in 2020, bringing 25 years of dental experience, beginning with a high school dental assisting course in 1995. Through on-the-job training and extensive continuing education, she has developed expertise in administrative operations, insurance management, and complex treatment planning.
As a patient care advocate, Kerry takes pride in helping patients understand their benefits and access the care they need. She finds fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with both team members and the patients she serves, creating a welcoming environment from the moment patients enter the practice.
Outside the office, Kerry enjoys vacationing with family and friends and finding time to read. She has a special passion for karaoke—affectionately dubbed "Kerry-oke" by her friends. A fun fact about Kerry is that she comes from a family of six girls, giving her plenty of experience in coordination and communication!
Kara
Hygiene Coordinator
Kara brings her extensive education and dental experience to her role, ensuring patients receive optimal care. Since entering the dental field in 2014, she has combined her impressive academic background, including a Bachelor's in Bioscience and Master's in Exercise Physiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with dental assisting training from Stautzenberger, with her passion for helping others.
Kara manages the hygiene schedule, verifies insurance benefits, and provides patient treatment plan estimates. She takes particular satisfaction in getting to know each patient personally while working alongside her positive, supportive team members.
Her journey to dentistry was inspired by family participation in mission trips, where she witnessed firsthand the critical need for dental care in underserved communities. This experience shaped her understanding of oral health's importance and fueled her commitment to the field.
Beyond the office, Kara channels her energy into instructing fitness classes and enjoying outdoor activities. She has a passion for long-distance endurance events, with her most impressive achievement being the completion of a full Ironman 140.6 triathlon—swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles in a single event.
Kylie
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Since entering the dental field in 2014, Kylie has applied her specialized training to restore patients' teeth and confidence at Whitehouse Family Dental. She completed her dental assisting education at Stautzenberger College and advanced her skills through the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant program at Case Western Reserve University.
As an EFDA, Kylie assists dentists with procedures and has the advanced training to place restorations and sealants. What drives her professional dedication is witnessing the positive impact dental care has on patients' lives—restoring their teeth and their self-confidence and comfort.
Kylie was drawn to dentistry by its rewarding nature. She finds fulfillment in helping patients achieve better oral health and brighter smiles. When not at the practice, she enjoys camping and spending time outdoors. A unique hobby she shares with her family is watching Supercross events, and patients might be surprised to learn about her culinary preference—enjoying honey mustard with her pizza.
Jennifer
Lead Hygienist
Jennifer joined Whitehouse Family Dental in 2020 after working in the field for over two decades. Her journey in dentistry began in 2000 after completing her education at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. Jennifer was drawn to dental care from a young age while enjoying early visits to the dentist. The work-life balance offered by dentistry also appealed to her family-oriented values.
As our lead hygienist, Jennifer oversees the hygiene department, where she ensures exceptional communication and maintains high standards of care. She provides comprehensive services including dental prophylaxis, periodontal assessments, scaling and root planing, patient education, and diagnostic imaging. Jennifer takes pride in building meaningful relationships with patients and establishing the trust essential for effective dental care. Her approach combines technical expertise with genuine warmth, creating a comfortable patient environment at each visit.
Beyond the dental office, Jennifer finds joy in spending time with her family, especially attending her children's sporting events and planning family vacations to explore new destinations. A fun fact about Jennifer that regular patients might not know is that she doesn't eat fruit!
Carey
Registered Dental Hygienist, EFDA
Carey joined the dental field in 2008 after earning her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. In her role, Carey provides comprehensive care including cleanings, scaling and root planing, periodontal assessments, digital imaging, and local anesthetic administration.
What makes Carey thrive at Whitehouse Family Dental is the genuine connection she builds with her patients. She believes that even on challenging days, finding moments to laugh and share joy is essential to creating a positive dental experience. Her approach combines clinical excellence with a warm, personable chairside manner that puts patients at ease.
Carey was drawn to dentistry by her calling to help others and her appreciation for the immediate results of dental care. She also values how the profession has allowed her to balance being a dedicated mother while maintaining a fulfilling career.
When she can find moments, Carey enjoys sewing and creating clothing for her children—a talent that once led her to run her own business. A surprising fact about Carey is that she maintains a flock of 20 chickens and loves to garden.
Cori
Registered Dental Hygienist
Cori joined Whitehouse Family Dental in 2017, bringing over two decades of experience to her position. She attended Central Catholic High School and the University of Toledo before completing her dental hygiene degree from Owens Community College.
Cori provides comprehensive patient care, including cleanings, digital imaging, and personalized oral hygiene instruction, while actively supporting her team members. She enjoys building family-like connections with her patients and building personal relationships that extend beyond routine dental visits. Cori appreciates working with a supportive team who enjoys their work and delivers excellent care.
When choosing her career path, Cori was drawn to dentistry's unique combination of healthcare and flexibility, allowing her to help people while maintaining balance for family life. Outside the office, she enjoys watching her daughter play soccer, staying active with exercise, and dedicating time to fostering and rescuing dogs.
Cori loves adventure and is a certified scuba diver who has dived with sharks. A fun fact is that she doesn’t cheer for Ohio State or Michigan—instead, she's a proud Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan!
Amanda
Registered Dental Hygienist
Amanda began her dental career in 2016 after earning her Associate of Applied Science from Owens Community College. As a hygienist, she provides comprehensive care including cleaning procedures, periodontal therapy, and patient education about gum health and oral structures.
For Amanda, dentistry represents the perfect blend of her natural strengths and interests—attention to detail, appreciation for beautiful smiles, enjoyment of conversation, and passion for educating others. What she values most about her role is connecting with people from her community and building relationships through genuine conversation.
Outside the office, Amanda enjoys spending time with her two dogs and three cats. She also enjoys painting and has recently developed an interest in Reiki, energy healing, and meditation practices. A fascinating fact about Amanda is that she was originally left-handed, but after kindergarten teachers encouraged her to switch, she became predominantly right-handed, though she occasionally practices writing with her left hand.
Tara
Registered Dental Hygienist
Since beginning her career in 1998, Tara has been dedicated to helping patients achieve their best oral health. With an Associate of Science degree from Owens Community College, she brings decades of experience and clinical expertise to our team.
Tara's comprehensive approach to dental hygiene includes thorough cleanings, periodontal examinations, digital x-rays, and intraoral photography. With a caring, educational focus, she helps patients understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness. What motivates Tara most is developing meaningful relationships with her patients and positively impacting their dental health and confidence in their smiles.
Her decision to enter dentistry stemmed from a genuine desire to make a difference in people's lives by improving their oral health and helping them love their smiles. This mission continues to drive her professional dedication today.
When not at the office, Tara enjoys taking long walks and cheering on her children at their sporting events. A passionate Cleveland and Ohio State Buckeye fan, Tara loves spending time on Lake Erie, where she enjoys boating and fishing.
Alex
Dr. Rick's Dental Assistant
Alexandra joined Whitehouse Family Dental with nearly a decade of experience, having entered the dental field in 2016. A graduate of Dental Assisting Training School with certification in CPR, she assists with treatments, captures diagnostic images, manages sterilization, maintains patient records, and provides educational guidance.
What resonates most deeply with Alexandra is witnessing the transformation of patients' smiles and the boost in confidence that comes with improved oral health. She finds profound satisfaction in knowing her work makes a direct, positive impact on people's lives and wellbeing.
Alexandra was drawn to dentistry for its combination of personal and professional development opportunities, the ability to help others, and the career benefits the field offers. Outside the office, she pursues various creative and outdoor interests, including photography, quilting, puzzles, camping, and hiking.
Recently, Alexandra has embraced homesteading and self-sufficiency skills. Patients might be surprised by her unique physical talent—she can touch her nose with her tongue!
Tonya
Dr. Kristen's Assistant
Tonya began her career in 1987 after graduating from Penta Vocational School for Dental Assisting. Her responsibilities include ensuring patient comfort, assisting with procedures, capturing diagnostic images, maintaining sterilization protocols, and creating 3D-printed models, retainers, and night guards.
Tonya's career path was sparked by a rebellious teenage decision during an 8th-grade field trip to Penta—choosing dental assisting instead of her father's preference for automotive or her mother's wish for cosmetology. That independent choice led to a fulfilling lifelong profession where she has excelled at creating comfortable patient experiences.
What Tonya values most about her work is the family-like atmosphere among team members and the opportunity to educate patients while helping them feel at ease during dental visits. Her genuine care for patients and wealth of experience make her an invaluable part of the practice.
When not at the office, Tonya enjoys attending music concerts, reading, taking walks in parks or zoos, cross-stitching, and cooking.
Miranda
Dr. Keller's Assistant
Miranda Hunt began her dental career at Whitehouse Family Dental in 2024, where she quickly discovered her passion for patient care. She started with us as a sterilization assistant before transitioning to her current role, where she provides chairside assistance, patient education, digital scanning, 3-D printing, radiography, and CBCT imaging.
With her x-ray certification and comprehensive on-the-job training, Miranda has developed the skills to support the clinical team effectively. She takes pride in helping operations run smoothly while ensuring patients feel comfortable and welcome throughout their dental experience.
What began as a "random decision" to enter dentistry has evolved into a career path where Miranda sees continued growth and advancement opportunities. Her natural aptitude for assisting and genuine patient care make her a valuable and appreciated team member.
Outside the office, Miranda enjoys listening to music, hiking, and kayaking. She has a unique hobby of collecting interesting rocks and can impressively recall the lyrics to all 2,500+ songs saved in her Spotify library.
Kirsten
Sterilization Float Assistant
Kirsten joined our dental team in 2024, bringing a dedication to safety and cleanliness to this essential role. With on-the-job training and x-ray certification, she maintains the highest infection control standards throughout the practice, sterilizing instruments, preparing treatment rooms, and ensuring compliance with all safety protocols.
Kirsten quickly embraced her critical responsibility in creating a safe environment for the team and patients. She finds satisfaction in knowing her meticulous work directly contributes to the health and well-being of everyone who enters the practice.
Drawn to the dental field by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, Kirsten maintains impeccable cleanliness standards. Her commitment to service is evident in her professional dedication and six years of service in the Army National Guard.
When not at the practice, Kirsten enjoys quiet time reading and spending time with her two cats, Sammy and Pearl. She also enjoys more adventurous activities, including mountain biking and rock climbing expeditions with her husband.
We go to Family Dental with our entire family and we are highly grateful for their support, services and professionalism. All the staff members are amazing and we recommend them to everyone. They are always focused on the best possible outcome for both health and financial ares of their patients.
- Cristina