MEET DR. JENS WILSON
Jens Wilson was born in Cortez, Colorado and grew up in Blanding, Utah. After graduating high school, Dr. Jens had the opportunity to play collegiate baseball and football at Utah State University Eastern, and Snow College. He took a short hiatus to serve a service mission in Busan, South Korea. He then graduated with his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Utah Valley University. He then attended Western University of Health Sciences where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Jens then went on to finish a pediatric residency program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Jens also maintains hospital privileges at San Juan Regional Medical Center and Mercy Regional Medical Center.
Jens and his wife are excited to live and raise their 4 children in Farmington. Dr. Jens’ goal as a pediatric dentist is to deliver a great dental experience and ensure his patients receive the best dental treatment possible. He will collaborate with other specialty offices to deliver the best treatment for children with special needs. His goal is to serve and give back to the community and their families. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and both state and local dental societies. Dr. Jens loves sports and outdoor activities. He enjoys being involved with his church and the community. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family.
ALICIA HORTON
Accountant / Collections Manager
I was born and raised in Farmington, NM. I lived in Quantico, Virginia for five years with my husband, and returned home to raise our two children near family. My daughter and son are grown now and live in Phoenix, Arizona. I enjoy traveling and reading.
I have had several positions at Animas Pediatric, Dental Assistant, Office Manager and now Accountant/Collections Manager. I am so excited to be in my current role and to work with the best Pediatric Dentist. I have worked with Animas since May 2014.
AMY TORREZ
Office Manager
Hello! I am the Office Manager of Animas Pediatric Dentistry. I have worked in Pediatric Dentistry for nearly 10 years and have worked with several youth organizations in our area for over 20 years! I enjoy helping our young patients and watching them grow! I have a special needs child and am a huge advocate for the special needs community and their families. I love that I get to work in an environment that provides exceptional care and puts our patients at ease while we tend to each patient’s unique dental needs. I am honored to lead our team of talented, kind, compassionate and fun staff and work alongside such a phenomenal dentist! When I am not at the office I enjoy spending time with my husband, and our son and daughter. We live on a small farm and love all animals! We enjoy any type of outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, and gardening. My children and pets keep me involved in our community. I love meeting new people and building bonds with my patients and making them feel welcome! Please feel encouraged to stop by my office at any time. I would love to see you and your child(ren) and hear about your visit!
MIRANDA VELASQUEZ
Registered Dental Hygienist & EFDA
I am a Farmington native and have worked in the dental field for over 16 years. I started with Animas Pediatrics in 2008 as a dental assistant. I returned to dental hygiene school and graduated in 2012. To further my education, I went to obtain my EFDA license through Santa Fe Community College. With this license, I can now assist the Dentist and place restorations as needed. Being able to provide different levels of care for the kids is exciting and very fulfilling! Working with these young children is a very rewarding job. I live in the Farmington area with my husband and two young boys. We enjoy numerous sports during the year including soccer and Jiu-jitsu and also love camping and outdoor activities throughout the year.
ALICIA ELLSAESSER
Treatment Coordinator
I grew up here in the Four Corners area. I am a mom of 2 kids who keep me busy with their amazing lives and sports. I love going to the lake and decorating my house for the holidays. I am the OR treatment coordinator here at Animas. I love providing new and existing patients with the option for general anesthesia in the hospital setting. Here at Animas, I am constantly improving my skills to provide genuine care for our patients and families. I look forward to helping your kiddos.
NIKKI MONCLOVA
Scheduling Coordinator
I was born and raised here in Farmington, NM. I started here at Animas Pediatric Dentistry in 2022. I am a mother to two amazing kids. Working in the pediatric setting is something I enjoy; the children are what makes my job fun! Working here at Animas has been a great learning experience. Each day I am learning something new, I look forward to advancing my career here with Animas. Most of all I am so thankful to work with such a great team and enthused with the future I have here at Animas.
CANDACE DALE – SANDMAN
Dental Assistant / Sterilization Tech
I’m a wife, mother of 2 and I have been an employee of Animas Pediatrics Dentistry for 7 years. I clean and sterilize the dental tools we use and sometimes will do some teeth cleaning here and there. I do enjoy working with this great group of ladies and Doctor. One of best things about this job is you get to hear, see, and watch all the brave, cute, handsome, smart, scared and even naughty kiddos participate in their dental care, even if they are screaming. My absolute favorite part of the day-to-day activities is to see them get brave and grow and I think this is beautiful.
BRANDIE PACK
Dental Assistant
I am a dental assistant here at Anims. I started my career in early childhood development and moved to pediatric dental assistant. I have been working as a pediatric dental assistant since 2010. I have been with Animas since 2018. I truly enjoy working with your kiddos, I get to watch them grow and mature as they come to our office. I am a mom of two crazy kiddos, we love being outdoors. I come from a small town where the people you meet are more than just a face. They become friends and I appreciate that our office can bring that to our patients.
NATASHA CUMMINS
Dental Assistant
I was born and raised here in Farmington, NM. I am the mother of three wonderful children. I have recently been blessed with my first grandbaby. I have been a dental assistant with Animas since 2007. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to get to know so many wonderful families. I love that I have been able to watch them grow. I always look forward to seeing their beautiful smiles.
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness” – William Arthur Warm
SAMANTHA VAUGHN
Dental Assistant
I started working for Animas Pediatric Dentistry in 2022 as a dental assistant. I have been working with kids on and off for the last 10 years in childcare and education. I enjoy helping my patients learn about dental hygiene. I love seeing kids get comfortable with their dental care and become more confident. I am the mother of three kids they are very active in their school and sports. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. My hobbies include spending time outdoors and being involved in the Bloomfield community.
RACQUEL MONCLOVA
Dental Assistant
I currently work as a dental assistant for Dr. Jens. I’ve learned so much so far and continue to do so every day with the help of my amazing coworkers! Of course, the amazing kids that come in help educate me immensely as well! I am beyond grateful for you babies and kids that come in and trust me to help clean their teeth & treatment plan as needed.
I absolutely love working with kids every day. They bring so much joy to the office, and their little conversations are the best part of my day. I became a first-time mom to a beautiful baby girl in February 2024, and I am extremely thankful for the babies I’ve been able to assist so far. They’ve given me a great idea of what to expect for my daughter’s future dental appointments!
DEANTHA BRONSON
Dental Assistant
I was born and raised in Farmington, NM. I have worked in the dental field for 5 years. I decided I wanted to work with littles about a year and a half ago and it was the best decision I have made! When I see kids that maybe nervous or anxious leave our office smiling and happy is a win in my book! When I am not at work, I enjoy hanging out with my family, going camping, fishing, going to the lake, or anything outdoors.
HALEY DURAN
Dental Assistant
I have been a dental assistant for the past three years but started with Animas in 2022.I am currently enrolled at San Juan College to become a surgical tech. I absolutely love working with all my patients and hearing about their day and the stories they have. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym and being a dog mom.
STEPHANIE MUNOZ
Dental Assistant
I am a dental assistant here at Animas Pediatric Dentistry. After being an Educational Assistant for more than 5 years, I decided to change my career and found myself in the dental field. As a dental assistant I continue to meet and interact with a lot of kids and help them have a great experience here with our dentist. The environment here at Animas is one of a kind I feel so fulfilled. I love doing what I do and the people I work with. I plan on advancing in this field to be of better assistance to our patient-kids’ dental needs and obtain additional dental certifications. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and trying to keep up with them and their various activities