Dr. Ashley Patnoe: From Tooth Fairy Apprentice to Pediatric Pro
Dr. Ashley Patnoe’s journey has taken her on quite the scenic route—through the hills of West Virginia, a stopover in Virginia, and a snowy stint in Michigan—before bringing her full circle back to her roots in Charleston, WV.
Born in Morgantown and raised in Charleston (with a quick detour to Richmond, VA), Dr. Patnoe was practically raised with a dental mirror in one hand. Starting at age 12, she spent countless hours helping out in her father’s endodontic practice. While she admired his artistry and 42+ year career, young Ashley was convinced her own future lay elsewhere… maybe teaching?
Fast-forward a few years: she graduated from George Washington High School in 1989 and headed to West Virginia University with education in mind. But fate—and maybe a little floss—intervened. She pivoted to dentistry, earned her DDS from WVU, and then headed north to the University of Michigan for her pediatric residency. (Yes, she survived Michigan winters!)
After a few years working in a bustling pediatric practice in Rochester Hills, she felt the pull of home. Charleston was calling—and she answered by designing, building, and opening her very own pediatric dental office in 2003.
Since then, Dr. Patnoe has been creating smiles and calming nerves for kids all around the Charleston area. She and her amazing team are known for their dedication, compassion, and a little extra sparkle that makes going to the dentist something kids don’t dread (seriously).
“I’m passionate about what I do,” she says. “I care deeply about our patients and am always looking for ways to grow and improve how we serve our community.”
When she’s not in the office, you can find Dr. Patnoe hiking, skiing, reading (often with a cup of tea), whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or enjoying movie nights with her husband, son, and daughter—all of whom share her love for the Mountain State.
For Dr. Patnoe, there’s no place like home. And she’s thrilled that her story keeps unfolding right here in West Virginia.
Kourtney – Team Leader & Treatment Coordinator
Kourtney is a proud graduate of West Virginia Junior College (WVJC), where she earned her associate degree in Dental Assisting. She joined our team in June 2018 and has been a dedicated, enthusiastic, and caring part of the practice ever since.
Shortly after joining, Kourtney took on the role of Treatment Coordinator, where she utilizes her dental knowledge to guide patients through their treatment options with care and understanding, helping to ease any concerns along the way. In 2023, Dr. Patnoe asked her to take on the additional role of Team Leader—and here’s where the dedication part kicks in—she jumped right in. Whether she’s managing the team or thinking on her feet to find solutions, Kourtney is someone you can always count on.
Fun Fact: Kourtney is the proud mom of both twins and triplets—plus her beloved rescue dog, Katie Mae! She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for over 20 years. When asked about downtime, she laughed and said, “Umm… downtime? I guess riding in the mountains, planting a garden, or relaxing on a beach is something to dream about. For now, I’ll just take a Dr. Pepper and sit a spell.”
Lisa – Hygienist
Lisa graduated from WV Tech with a degree in Dental Hygiene and has been keeping smiles bright as part of our team since 2007. She’s a seasoned pro with a warm heart—and a laugh you can hear down the hallway!
Happily married, Lisa is the proud mom of two grown kids, a loving grandma, and dog-mom to the one and only Stella. She now enjoys being a Nana to her grandson and is soaking up life with long walks, good books, and homemade treats.
Fun Fact: Saturdays, you’ll find her treasure-hunting at yard sales or cruising through the mountains with her little family. Come Sunday, it’s all about faith and family time at church. Lisa brings a little sunshine wherever she goes—and we’re lucky to have her!
Jodi – Dental Hygienist
An avid Mountaineer fan and proud graduate of West Virginia University (WVU), Jodi brings 26 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She’s passionate about her profession and deeply dedicated to providing exceptional care to her patients. As Jodi puts it, “I love helping create beautiful smiles and cherish the laughter and joy our amazing patients bring”—and it truly shows every day.
Outside of the office: Jodi loves spending time in the great outdoors, whether she’s hiking through the beautiful West Virginia mountains, kayaking, or adventuring with her two crazy dogs. She has a green thumb for flower gardening and a love for cooking (though, more importantly, she loves to eat!). Jodi also keeps active with yoga and Zumba, always finding fun ways to stay moving.
Carrena – Clinic Manager/Dental Assistant
Carrena graduated from West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) in 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting. When asked what she loves most about working at CPD, she says, “My favorite part of working at CPD is making anxious kids laugh and feel more at ease. Everyone needs someone—and I love when that someone is me.”
Fun Fact: Carrena enjoys listening to podcasts, taking walks, and experimenting with new recipes. Her favorite hobby? Thrifting! She has a soft spot for vintage treasures—especially pie plates and anything with a nostalgic charm. Carrena is married to “the best husband” and is a proud mom to three beautiful girls and one handsome son.
Tori – New Patient & Frenectomy Coordinator
Tori graduated from Carver Career Center (CCTC) as a Certified Dental Assistant in 2015 and has been a valued part of our team since 2021. As our New Patient and Frenectomy Coordinator, she’s one of the first friendly faces you’ll meet and plays a key role in helping families feel informed, supported, and comfortable from day one. She also serves as the essential “point A to point B” contact—communicating with referring doctors and therapists to ensure a smooth, coordinated experience for patients undergoing frenectomies.
Outside the office: Tori is a proud mom of five—one boy and four girls—who keep her constantly on the move with basketball, football, cheer, and gymnastics. When she’s not cheering from the sidelines, she’s probably enjoying some well-deserved online shopping (it’s her favorite way to unwind!).
Sam – Dental Assistant
Sam graduated from West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) in 2023 and jumped right into the dental world with us that same year—bringing fresh skills, great energy, and a big smile to the team!
Fun Fact: Sam’s all about family time. She loves hanging out with her husband, chasing giggles with her beautiful daughter, and snuggling up with her cat Porkchop (who totally runs the house). Whether it’s a cozy night in or a weekend adventure, Sam brings warmth and joy wherever she goes!
Kenzie – Dental Hygienist
Kenzie graduated from BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC) in 2020 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She joined our team in 2023 after relocating back home from New Mexico, where she previously worked in the dental field. Kenzie is dedicated to providing gentle, thorough care and helping patients feel confident in their smiles.
She has been married for six years to a proud U.S. Air Force veteran. Kenzie is a loving mom to two beautiful children and her three dogs—Zoey, Kimber, and Dixie.
Fun Fact: Whether she’s relaxing at the beach, getting lost in a good book, or spending time outdoors, she finds joy in life’s simple pleasures and peaceful moments.
Jessica (JJ) – Insurance Specialist
Jessica (JJ) joined our team in December 2024 as our Insurance Specialist. She brings a strong foundation in healthcare, holding an Associate’s degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Healthcare Management from BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC).
JJ has worked in a variety of roles across the healthcare field, gaining valuable experience in both patient care and administrative operations. Her passion for helping others, combined with her attention to detail, makes her an incredible asset to our team. While her career has taken many paths, JJ has truly found her home with us.
Outside of the office: JJ is a proud mom to amazing kids. She’s a self-proclaimed TV junkie and believes football is the best season of all. You can always catch her cheering on her favorite teams—the Dallas Cowboys and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Charleston Pediatric Dentistry (CPD) complies with the applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
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