Leadership
Dennis Lewis, President & CEO
Dr. Dennis Lewis became Dental Aid’s President & CEO in November 2010. Dennis began his professional career in the public sector in 1979. Over the last 30 years he has been in private practice, served on the faculty of a dental school, and worked in multiple safety net dental clinics. His highest satisfaction is when he is treating and advocating for vulnerable populations. In addition to his work at Dental Aid Dennis represents oral health on the Caring for Colorado Board of Directors and on the State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council. He is also chairs the Evidence Based Dentistry Committee for the National Network for Oral Health Access. Dennis obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Northern Colorado before attending the University of Colorado School of Dentistry.
Darby Barfield, Chief Dental Provider
Dr. Darby Barfield joined Dental Aid in 2002 as its first full time Pediatric Dentist. She has a special interest in preventive dentistry and creating a positive dental experience for each child and family. She received her bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California at Berkeley. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Darby moved to Denver in 2000 where she completed her Pediatric Specialty Residency at The Children’s Hospital. Darby is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is currently on staff at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and The Children’s Hospital.
Shannon Hilt, Chief Development and Marketing Officer
Shannon leads Dental Aid’s fundraising and marketing efforts. Beginning her professional career in the labor movement, Shannon eventually realized she enjoyed her volunteer life working with not-for-profits more than her work life. Making the switch to not-for-profit fund development in 2005, she has used her community organizing skills to build lasting relationships with donors and community partners. Shannon holds a Master of Science in Labor Studies from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Petey Webster, Chief Operations Officer
After graduating with an Associate of Arts degree from Green Mountain College in Vermont, Petey moved to Denver. She has been associated with dentistry since 1971 starting as a dental assistant/office manager, moving to Delta Dental as the eligibility supervisor/customer service, then to Principal Financial as supervisor of the dental claims processing department. From there Petey became a licensed insurance agent and sold small group medical and dental policies. Petey managed a periodontal office in Lakewood and then went into business for herself as a Xerox Authorized Service Agency with 35 employees. In addition to her duties as Chief Operations Officer, Petey owns and operates Visiting Angels of Boulder County providing home-care services for seniors.
Rosa Galvan, Director of Business Administration
Rosa began working for Dental Aid in November 2009. She was born in Chicago but attended school in Mexico from the ages of 8-18. Rosa has an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Lake County and a dual degree in Business Management and Science of Communication from Phoenix University. Prior to working for Dental Aid, Rosa worked for local and federal agencies.
Claudia Merjil, Director of Clinic Management
Claudia joined Dental Aid in 2003 as a receptionist and trained to be a dental assistant. In 2009 she became a clinic manager for the Longmont clinic. She has grown within Dental Aid and now oversees the clinic management of all three clinics. Claudia understands all functions of a dental practice and is a valuable asset to the leadership of Dental Aid. Before moving to Colorado she attended the University of Texas in El Paso.