I had my BDS degree from Jordan. Came to the US and earned my DDS degree from the University of Colorado-School of Dental Medicine.

I have always loved helping children specially the ones in need. I volunteered at many refugee camps for this purpose and always knew I want to contribute to the better health of children.

• Bachelor of Science - New Mexico Highlands University
• Doctor of Optometry - University of Houston

I became an optometrist because I was once a kid who had poor vision and was afraid to go to the eye doctor at the time. For many years I went without glasses and struggled to see in class and in general. I had an eye opening experience when I received my first pair of glasses. The world was literally changed for me when I could see better! So I thought I would love to help people feel that same way about their vision. From that point on (I was a high school senior at the time) I decided to pursue a career in optometry so that I could give people the precious gift of sight.

I have 3 kids who grew up loving superheroes like Iron Man, Spider Man, and Captain America so it's cool to be able to relate to kids that have common interests like my kids. I see a lot of kids who love video games and cartoons and other things that I know about since I have kids of my own with similar interests. I enjoy spending time with my family and going hiking or cooking in my spare time.

Dr. Shaden Alfaqih attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Shaden developed a passion for treating kids and patients with special health care needs. After graduating, she completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Howard University College of Dentistry.

I was drawn to pediatric dentistry because it is a very rewarding career. Dr. Shaden is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She strongly believes that oral health is integral to overall health and therefore establishing a dental home at an early age will help instill optimal oral hygiene habits in children that will continue with them into adulthood and creates a positive dental experience. She hopes to provide gentle, compassionate and outstanding dental care that is tailored to her patients’ individualized needs.

Undergraduate - University of Buffalo - BA in Biomedical Sciences

Dental School - University of Buffalo - DDS

I knew at a young age that I wanted to work in a capacity of helping people. Through school I gravitated towards math and science. I became very involved as a competitive swimmer, and was later recruited to swim in college. My passion for swimming had me thinking about Sports Medicine or Exercise Science. Then to incorporate my desire to work predominately with kids I thought about Pediatric Physical Therapy. The summer after I graduated high school I did an externship that allowed me to work alongside a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Excellent timing for the opportunity to demonstrate to me that therapy in any application was probably not the best fit for me, as I'm drawn to things with quantifiable and rapid results. It was the fall semester of my freshman year of undergraduate school that I landed on the idea of dentistry. Working with kids doing what I call "functional art" has been a very fulfilling fit for me!

I grew up in upstate New York. I moved to Colorado in 2007. Outside of the office, I love enjoying all that beautiful Colorado has to offer. Hiking and exploring small mountain towns are some of my favorite things. I have one daughter who is now 12. My daughter and I enjoy going to cheer on our local teams, especially the Avs, the Nuggets, and the Rockies.

• Bachelor of Science - Metropolitan State University
• Doctor of Optometry - Pacific University College of Optometry

I grew up wearing glasses and contacts and always looked forward to getting my eye exams. Since middle school, I knew that I wanted to go into medicine in some capacity. Optometry, as unique as it is, ended up being a perfect fit for me. My optometrist was generous enough to let me shadow her for several weeks and teach me about the profession. I became an optometrist first to help people and I continue because of how much I enjoy seeing my patients succeed!

I am married to another optometrist and we have two wonderful cats! We love hiking, bird watching, camping, and kayaking!

I obtained my undergraduate degrees from Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) and Colorado State University - Pueblo (CSUP). I earned my Associates in Biological sciences from IWCC and my Bachelor of Science in Biology from CSUP. For my graduate studies I attended Indiana University where I completed my Doctorate of Optometry.

I have always been interested in medicine, especially with my experience at the optometrist as a child. My personal journey to achieve clear vision wasn't easy, and it is why as an optometrist I strive to make the experience a good one for other kids. I enjoy being apart of a community that's growing and having a career that allows me to help people everyday.

I grew up in a very small town in Kansas, and I am excited to be only a few hours from my family. I played basketball in college at CSU - Pueblo, I loved Colorado when I lived here and I am happy to be back. I enjoy anything outdoors and I am an avid sports fan. I have two dogs Franklin and Lincoln.

University of Houston College of Optometry
Houston, Texas Bachelors and Doctors degree both in Optometry

I enjoy the preventative eye care field, and I've practiced in very remote areas of Canada with the Indian Opulate for ten years. I've also worked at a USA military base in Germany for five years. I'm pleased and very fortunate to have had these opportunities, and I'm glad to know that our little patients are receiving the best quality eye care possible.

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and have been living in the USA since 1988. I was raised to treat people with respect regardless of their age or background. Family is very important to me, and it reflects in everything I do in my personal and professional life. When I have a patient sitting in the examination chair, I don't just see them as a patient, but as another human being. I believe that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect, no matter their age. Professionalism, education, good manners, and gratitude are values that I always try to embody.

In undergrad, I majored in biology and minored in history at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Then, I earned
my Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San
Antonio, Texas.

I have worn glasses since I was four years old and contacts since second grade. I am extremely nearsighted which means I can only see clearly a few inches in front of my eye without glasses or contacts. My nearsightedness continued to worsen every year until I was in college. My optometrist played a very influential role in my life and vision. I became an optometrist to help individuals with their vision issues the same way my optometrist helped me

I met my girlfriend, Dr. Martinez, in optometry school, and we graduated from the same class!
I grew up in a small town called Spencer, Iowa.
My favorite college sports team is the Iowa Hawkeyes!
Even though I’m from Iowa, my favorite professional sports teams are the Denver Broncos and the Denver Nuggets!
My hobbies include golf, biking, hiking, exercising, and playing with my two rescue dogs, Siggy and Isla.
My special talent is that I can solve a Rubik’s Cube.

• Undergraduate Degree - Drury University in Springfield MO
• Optometry Degree - University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
• Masters of Vision Science - University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

I did not discover Optometry until after I graduated college with a degree in English. I lucked into a job with an Optometrist and was fascinated by vision. Loving the job and with the encouragement of the Optometrist, I went back to school and completed my degree.

I grew up in Springfield, MO. I am married with two kids. My interests and hobbies include cooking, reading, cars, and family time. I am a passionate fan of the Kansas City Royals. Let's Go Royals!

• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry - Jesuit University
• Minor in Biology - Regis University
• Doctor of Science - Creighton University
• Master of Public Health - Creighton University
• Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Department of Dental Medicine.

I was inspired to become a dentist in elementary school. In the first grade, a dentist and his assistants visited my school - they talked about dental hygiene and oral health- and they gave us "goodie" bags with toothbrushes and toothpaste. When a friend of mine got her toothbrush, she was so excited which surprised me. She asked for another toothbrush for her brother. The dentist was so kind, gave her extra bags and spent time with her answering questions. After they left she told me she had never been to the dentist. That interaction taught me a few lessons. It was the first time I understood that there were people who did not have easy access to healthcare. It also showed me how powerful an interaction between a child and doctor can be. From that day, I knew what I wanted to do - I wanted to be a dentist for people who did not have easy access to one.

My husband and I are Colorado natives and HUGE Colorado sports fans. We love to watch the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids, and Colorado Rockies. We have two children, Sofia and Stefan, and two dogs Alexandra and Lady Luna. I spend most of my free time at dance competitions or soccer games.

He attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry for both his dental degree and his Certificate in Orthodontics. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

I became an orthodontist because I have always been passionate about both science and helping people. Orthodontics allows me to combine my interest in biology and anatomy with my desire to make a tangible, positive impact on individuals’ lives. I love seeing the transformation not just in my patients’ smiles, but also in their confidence and self-esteem. The ability to improve someone’s quality of life through creating healthy, beautiful smiles is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the continuous advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques keep me motivated and excited about my work every day.

Dr. Burleson finds fulfillment in his role as a husband and father of three. Outside of orthodontics, he enjoys cycling, golfing, and sailing.