Meet the Team at Elwood Family Dental Care

Dr. Paige Elwood, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Paige Elwood is proud to serve the Yankton community as the owner and dentist at Elwood Family Dental Care. A native of Yankton, Dr. Elwood brings a personal touch to her practice, caring for generations of families she has known for years. She finds immense joy in working with patients of all ages and loves the variety that dentistry brings to her daily life.

Dr. Elwood earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota before completing her dental education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She began her professional journey in 2009, practicing at Neighborhood Dental in Yankton for nine years. In 2017, she fulfilled a longtime dream by acquiring Dr. Grossenburg’s practice and rebranding it as Elwood Family Dental Care.

For Dr. Elwood, dentistry is more than just a profession; it’s a chance to give back to the community that shaped her. Inspired by a pivotal conversation with her orthodontist just before high school graduation, she found her calling in dental care and has never looked back.

At the heart of her practice is a dynamic and compassionate team. “We not only take care of our patients, but we take care of each other,” says Dr. Elwood. “While our main focus is patient care, we make sure to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while doing it.”

Outside the office, Dr. Elwood is an avid supporter of her children’s sports and a proud fan of the Yankton High School Bucks and Gazelles. She's passionate about her community and schools, and when she’s not cheering from the sidelines, you might find her at a country music concert; she’s been to at least 26! A lover of true crime documentaries, Dr. Elwood also enjoys binge-watching Netflix in her downtime.

With deep local roots and a genuine passion for patient care, Dr. Elwood is dedicated to helping her patients smile with confidence while ensuring that her team and practice are filled with positivity and laughter every step of the way.

Dr. Lexi Rezac, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Lexi Rezac believes a trip to the dentist should feel welcoming, not intimidating, and she's passionate about changing the way patients experience dental care. A native of the area, Dr. Rezac was thrilled to return to her hometown and join Dr. Elwood and the team at Elwood Family Dental Care in January 2027.

Her path to dentistry began during a semester abroad in the Dominican Republic, where she shadowed and assisted a dentist caring for an inner-city community. Seeing firsthand how closely oral health is tied to overall health left a lasting impression. After returning home, she connected with local dentists and quickly became fascinated by the way dentistry blends art and science to create beautiful, healthy smiles.

Dr. Rezac attended Creighton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; she then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. After graduating in 2025, she began her career at a practice in central Illinois, where she grew to love the community before deciding to come home and settle down.

Dr. Rezac enjoys getting to know patients on a personal level and finding the treatment approach that works best. She knows the dental office can feel daunting, and she finds it deeply rewarding to rewrite that story through gentle, personalized care. She also loves to laugh and have fun with her team and patients, making every visit a little brighter.

Outside the office, you'll likely find Dr. Rezac reading, running, watching true crime documentaries, playing cards, baking, or planning her next adventure. She loves to travel near and far, connecting with new people and places along the way. She has also mastered the art of crafting the perfect coffee latte. And here's something many people don't know: there are two more of her out there. Dr. Rezac is a triplet!

Jessica

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jessica joined the dental field in 2018 and became a valued member of the Elwood Family Dental Care team in 2021. A proud graduate of the UNMC College of Dentistry, Jessica brings a genuine passion for patient care and a strong commitment to oral health.

As a registered dental hygienist, Jessica works closely with patients to improve and maintain their gum and overall oral health. In addition to hygiene care, she also assists Dr. Elwood with restorative procedures and is licensed to administer local anesthesia.

Jessica loves being part of a team that works so well together, creating a fun, easy-going environment where everyone pitches in to ensure the best possible care for each patient.

She was drawn to dentistry by her desire to help others, especially by giving patients greater confidence in their smiles and contributing to their overall well-being.

Outside the office, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors on walks, discovering new recipes to cook for her family, and baking homemade sourdough. A fun fact: she’s an enthusiastic Husker volleyball fan!

Chloe

Registered Dental Hygienist

Chloe Schmitt is a registered dental hygienist who began her career at Elwood Family Dental Care in June 2025 after earning her degree from the University of South Dakota. Chloe is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy smiles through thorough oral assessments, patient education, and professional cleanings. Her focus on infection control, sterilization, and OSHA compliance ensures a safe and sanitary environment for everyone in the practice.

Chloe is known for creating a positive, patient-centered atmosphere. She values open communication and builds strong relationships with her patients, helping them feel comfortable and confident in their care. Her collaborative and proactive approach also makes her a key contributor to the friendly and efficient team dynamic at the office.

Inspired by her own calm, positive dental experiences growing up, Chloe chose a career in dentistry to offer the same kind of reassurance to others, especially those who may feel anxious in the dental chair.

Outside the office, Chloe enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and going on walks with her cockapoo, Louie. She’s recently discovered a love for photography with her new professional-style camera. And here’s a fun fact: she has a metal screw in her foot from a high school injury—ask her about it sometime!

Melissa

Registered Dental Hygienist

With two decades of experience in dental hygiene, Melissa Maska brings both expertise and heart to every patient interaction. A proud graduate of the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, Melissa joined Elwood Family Dental in 2023 and has been building strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families ever since.

Her favorite part of dentistry? Creating positive experiences, just like the ones she had growing up, that help patients feel at ease while supporting their oral health goals. Melissa values clear communication, attention to detail, and making every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Outside the office, Melissa is passionate about giving back. She leads Restore Foster Closet, a local nonprofit that supports foster children and families. When she’s not serving her community, she enjoys hiking, boating, traveling, and cheering on her kids at their activities. And if there’s coffee nearby, you’ll likely find her with a cup in hand!

Sydney

Registered Dental Hygienist

Sydney is a dedicated dental hygienist who brings compassion, professionalism, and a genuine love for patient care to every appointment. She attended Southeast Technical College in 2020 to become a dental assistant and subsequently earned her dental hygiene degree from the University of South Dakota in 2025. She officially joined the Elwood Family Dental Care team in May 2025.

Sydney’s passion for dentistry is rooted in her desire to help others feel confident, cared for, and informed. She especially enjoys building trusting relationships with patients and guiding them toward better oral health through education and encouragement. Her calm, friendly demeanor helps patients feel at ease, while her strong teamwork values contribute to the supportive and collaborative environment at Elwood Family Dental Care.

Originally from the Midwest, Sydney once took a leap and moved to Boise, Idaho, to attend Boise State University—Go Broncos! When she’s not caring for patients, you’ll likely find her walking her dogs, enjoying time on the river, trying out new recipes, or relaxing with a good book or podcast. 

Shawnda

Registered Dental Assistant

Shawnda is one of the many friendly faces you’ll see at Elwood Family Dental. As a registered dental assistant, she plays a crucial role in patient care, assisting Dr. Elwood with procedures ranging from fillings and crowns to implants, dentures, and children’s cleanings. She also keeps the clinical side of the office running smoothly by managing sterilization and room preparation, ensuring each patient’s visit is seamless and comfortable.

Shawnda completed her dental assistant training at Lake Area Tech and has been in the dental field for over 11 years, starting her journey at a pediatric office before earning her certification in 2018. She has been part of the Elwood Family Dental team since 2022, and what she loves most is the variety her role offers, from assisting during procedures to educating patients about their oral health.

Outside of the office, Shawnda spends much of her time on her family’s farm, where she and her husband, Kyle, are raising their children with a love for the land, animals, and the simple joys of rural life.

She also enjoys time at the family cabin by the river, girls’ days with her mom and grandma, and a good shopping trip. A giver at heart, Shawnda’s love language is gift-giving, and she’s an active supporter of local foster families through the WRAP program in Yankton.

Shelby

Registered Dental Assistant/Front Desk

Shelby wears many hats at Elwood Family Dental Care, from managing insurance payments and scheduling appointments to assisting Dr. Elwood chairside when needed. As a valued member of the front desk and clinical team, Shelby helps ensure patients receive seamless, compassionate care from the moment they walk in the door.

Shelby began her journey in dentistry in 2010 and officially joined the Elwood Family Dental team in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies from the University of South Dakota and earned her RDA certification through Lake Area Technical College. Her diverse background gives her a unique ability to support patients not only with their dental needs, but with kindness and understanding.

What Shelby loves most about her work is the upbeat, team-driven atmosphere. “There’s hardly ever a dull moment here—we do have fun and work together to take great care of our patients.” Thanks to cross-training and strong communication, Shelby and her coworkers can jump in wherever they’re needed.

When she’s not at the office, Shelby is a busy mom of two (soon to be three!) and enjoys time with her family at their river cabin. She also has a love for coffee-fueled “mom errands,” fresh manicures, and staying up with the latest trends in makeup and home décor. A fun fact? Shelby comes from a big family—she’s the youngest of eight siblings, with seven sisters and one brother!

Ashley

Dental Assistant

Ashley is a dental assistant at Elwood Family Dental. She plays an important role in assisting the doctor during exams and procedures while maintaining high standards of sterilization and infection control to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients.

Ashley began working in dentistry in 2025 and is pursuing formal dental assisting education this fall. She was drawn to the dental field as a positive career change that allows her to help others while continuing to learn and grow professionally. She enjoys the supportive team atmosphere and working with kind, appreciative patients.

Outside of the office, Ashley enjoys gardening, hiking, and reading. She has a unique hobby of home canning produce from her garden and is known for being very detail-oriented and enjoying keeping things organized.

Kara

Front Office Coordinator

Kara is the front office coordinator at Elwood Family Dental. She is known for her positive attitude, compassion, and commitment to making sure patients and coworkers feel supported and cared for. She always strives to get things taken care of and keep the office running smoothly.

With more than two decades of experience in office settings, Kara brings a strong administrative background to the dental field. She previously worked as a front office coordinator at a dental clinic in Creighton, Nebraska, for more than five years and holds an associate’s degree in administration from Northeast Community College. Kara began working in dentistry in 2020 and joined Elwood Family Dental in November 2025.

Kara enjoys getting to know patients, chatting with them during their visits, and solving problems, especially when it comes to dental insurance. She values being part of a supportive team that works together to help one another.

Outside of work, Kara enjoys cooking with her kids, hiking, and spending time with her dog. She also loves collecting rocks!

Bryana

Front Desk

Bryana brings warmth, organization, and a genuine love for helping people to the front desk at Elwood Family Dental Care. She joined our team in July 2026, and while this is her first role in dentistry, she is no stranger to patient care. Bryana spent seven years in the healthcare field as a CNA, Med Aide, and Director of Resident Services, where she built a strong foundation in HIPAA compliance, state regulations, and keeping every detail in order.

At the front desk, Bryana helps patients schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments, assists with insurance questions, answers calls, and keeps patient records accurate and up to date. Most of all, she wants every person who walks through the door to feel welcome, comfortable, and safe. She loves getting to know patients and says the best part of coming to work is a team that laughs together and works together to provide the best possible care. Bryana has always found joy in caring for others, and she's thrilled that dentistry lets her keep doing just that.

Outside the office, Bryana is always discovering new hobbies, from gardening and baking sourdough to building Lego Botanical sets. She enjoys a good book and never passes up a new horror or crime show. Her most unique pastime? Collecting miniatures and crafting detailed dioramas. A fun fact: her sister is 12 years younger, but the two look so alike they could pass for twins!