A lifetime of healthy, confident smiles

Meet Dr. Mari / Admin Team / Clinical Team

Meet Dr. Mari

Dr. Mari Kiesling is a 3rd generation Montana native. After graduating from Belgrade High School, Dr. Mari’s collegiate volleyball career took her to Southwestern Oregon Community College, Carroll College, and finally Montana State University. 

After graduating, Dr. Mari continued her training at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky. She graduated with honors after four years and was accepted into the pediatric dental residency at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

During her time in Utah, she worked alongside the program’s faculty and received extensive training in emergency care and trauma, orthodontics, dental sedation, general anesthesia, and care for children with special needs.

Dr. Mari is a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Montana Dental Association.

Dr. Mari and her husband have been blessed with three beautiful children. As a family, they love everything Montana: skiing, hiking, hunting, boating, and the great outdoors. She absolutely loves working with kids and is honored to serve Helena and its surrounding communities.

Meet Dr. Tedi

Dr. Tedi was born in Great Falls, MT, and raised in Shelby. She attended Carroll College, where she received her Bachelor’s in Biology. She worked as a pediatric dental assistant during her free time, which sparked her love for pediatric dentistry.

After her graduation, she moved to Kirksville, MO, to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, where she conducted cardiac research.

After receiving her Master’s degree, she moved to Phoenix, AZ, and completed 4 years of dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Following dental school, Dr. Tedi provided dental care for adults and children at public health clinics throughout Missouri and Wisconsin for 10 years. Always having a heart for children, Dr. Tedi decided to return to school and pursue a two-year pediatric residency at Denver Health Hospital in Denver, CO.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, skiing, boating, going to the dog park with her dog, Daisy, and especially making cupcakes!

Dr. Tedi is so excited to be part of the Prickly Pear team!

Admin Team

  • Robyn

    Robyn Bowles is the Financial Coordinator here at Prickly Pear Pediatric Dentistry. She has over 20 years’ experience in the dental field beginning her career as Dental Assistant and then later as a dental assisting instructor and finally moving into administrative duties.

    Robyn has been married for 25 years, is the proud mother of two children- a married daughter with a young son and a son currently attending college. She treasures her role as a Mimi to her energetic 2-year-old grandson and loves spending time with her family. She loves to hike with her dogs and enjoys the beauty of Montana.

    Robyn is proud to be a part of the team here at PPPD and hopes that her knowledge and passion for dentistry will help provide our patients with the best care and dental experience possible.

  • Kami

    Kami Shuman is the Office Manager for Prickly Pear Pediatric Dentistry. She is a Montana native who has worked in dentistry for 17 years. She worked alongside Dr. Mari for nine of those years as lead dental assistant. In 2022 she added dental office manager to her experience. Kami is passionate when it comes to providing an amazing dental office experience for patients and their families.

    In her free time, Kami can be found at the golf course playing a round, traveling with her husband of 28 years, hanging out with her 3 awesome adult children: Kaden, Carson, and Mackenzie, and loving on her fur-babies Titan and Webster. She also enjoys spending quality time with her grand dogs, Jack and Marty.

    Kami is a wonderful asset to the PPPD team. We know she will make your family’s visit at the office a good one!

  • Mackenzie

    Mackenzie was born and raised in Helena, Montana, and has loved the dentist since childhood. She began her career in high school working alongside Dr. Mari, later continuing as a dental assistant after attending Helena Community College and Montana Tech University.

    Now a dental receptionist at Prickly Pear Pediatric Dentistry, Mackenzie brings experience, warmth, and a deep passion for making dental visits fun for kids!

    Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys traveling with her boyfriend, Sawyor and dog, Marty. She loves to go golfing with her parents and two older brothers.

    Mackenzie, Sawyor and Marty like to camp and spend time at the lake with Sawyor’s family on the weekends.

    Mackenzie is excited to once again work with Dr. Mari, providing compassionate and dedicated care to the community she calls home.

  • Tabitha

    As Prickly Pear Pediatric Dentistry’s Insurance Verification Specialist, Tabitha supports families behind the scenes and helps ensure that their visits run smoothly from her home base in Austin, Texas. She has worked with Dr. Mari since 2018, and is proud to continue serving patients and the PPPD team from afar. Before transitioning to the administrative side of dentistry, Tabitha spent seven years working clinically, where she was lead dental assistant for several years, became radiology certified by the Montana Board of Dentistry, and completed an orthodontic assisting course through the American Orthodontic Society. She received her Associate of Arts degree through Montana State University, and also holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology-Criminology and Theater with a minor in Fine Arts from Carroll College.

    Her passion for the performing arts led her to Austin, where she continues to sing, dance, and pursue theatrical opportunities. Outside of work and theater, she loves to travel and embrace new experiences. 

    Tabitha is excited to continue working with Dr. Mari and remain part of the PPPD family from afar!

  • Kyahna

    Kyahna grew up in Polson Montana, as the youngest of six children. She has 14 nieces and nephews which fostered her lifelong passion for working with children. She spent seven years as a nanny before transitioning into the dental field, where she began her career over a year ago. As a Patient Coordinator, Kyahna is committed to creating a welcoming, positive experience for every patient and looks forward to continuing to grow professionally in her role. 

    Outside of the office, Kyahna enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing music and being outdoors. She loves camping and soaking up summer days at the lake with her boyfriend, Jayden, and their dogs-Maverick, Sadie, Oden and Boon.

    Kyahna is grateful to be a part of the PPPD team and is looking forward to this next chapter!

Clinical Team

  • Nikki

    Nikki Krueger is a native Montanan from Kalispell. She earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Public Relations at Carroll College.

    During Nikki’s time at Carroll she earned four All-American honors and a National Champion title in shot put. After graduating from Carroll College she has pursued a coaching career at Helena High, coaching boys high school shot put and discus. 

    In her free time Nikki likes to adventure the great outdoors by skiing, enjoying Montana’s many beautiful lakes, hunting, fishing, and hanging around a fire. When not outside Nikki loves to bake, cook, read, and watch movies.

    Nikki is very excited to start a new chapter with Prickly Pear Pediatric Dentistry. Making an impact on young children in the community is one of Nikki’s greatest passions. She loves helping patients, one smile at a time.

  • Hailey

    Hailey is a dental assistant at PPPD. Hailey has lived in Helena her whole life and loves being a part of the community. Before joining PPPD, she worked as a barista at Starbucks for two years, where she built strong relationships with regulars and enjoyed making people smile throughout the day while they grabbed a little pick-me-up.

    When she’s not at work, you can find her spending time with her boyfriend- Cooper, dogs and her family!

    A 2024 graduate of Capital High,Hailey is excited to be a part of Dr.Mari’s amazing team.

    She looks forward to learning new skills and helping kids feel comfortable at the dentist and teaching them how to take care of their smiles!

  • Ylenia

    Ylenia Woodlief, aka “Little Italy” has been working with Dr. Mari as a dental assistant for the last 4 years.

    She was born and raised in northern Italy. She’s married to a wonderful man and has a beautiful and goofy dog name Zeke. She loves working with kids and helping the community. In her free time she likes to go camping, hiking, biking with her husband and dog, as well as spending time with friends and family.

    She is beyond excited to be part of an amazing team at PPPD and hopes to make your visit a great experience!

  • Taylor

    Taylor is a dedicated dental assistant with over a year of experience, born and raised in the heart of Montana. She grew up riding in rodeos and still carries that same grit and heart into everything she does.

    When she’s not at the clinic, she’s likely spending time outdoors with her golden retriever, Oaks and cat, Mushu- or hanging out with her boyfriend, Kadin, enjoying the little things in life.

  • Madison

    Madison is a dental assistant at PPPD. Madison just moved to Helena in 2024 and that is when she began her dental assistant career. Before becoming a dental assistant, she worked at an Assisted living facility as a kitchen manager in the small town of Manhattan, MT! Outside of work, Madison enjoys crafting, camping, spending time with her boyfriend, Garrett, her family, her dog Max, and her cat Luna.

    Madison is excited to be a part of the PPPD team and hopes to make your visit a great experience every time!

  • Tori

    Tori is a Dental Assistant with over 7 years of experience in pediatric and general dentistry. She began her dental career with Dr Mari, where she discovered her passion for dental and helping children build healthy dental habits that last a lifetime. With an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Tori brings a patient, educational, and compassionate approach to every child and family she serves. 

    She has enjoyed living in Montana for 49 years, and has spent the last 22 years calling Helena her home. She’s a proud mother of two grown children and a joyful grandmother of three grandkids. Outside of work, Tori loves spending time with her partner, children, grandchildren and friends. Her favorite pastime is life on the water and takes every opportunity to get on her paddleboard and enjoy the quiet of nature.

    Tori is excited and very grateful to be a part of the PPPD team and hopes to create a comfortable and fun  learning experience for every child and family member she has the opportunity to meet.