Dental Staff

Meet the Doctors

Kim Fitzgerald, DMD

Dr. Kim Fitzgerald has been practicing Dentistry since graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1986. Before opening her Sarver office in 1999, she partnered with other dentists in Allison Park and Butler. Her office has grown over the years and in 2015 Dr. Fitzgerald's daughter, Carly, joined the practice.

The focus of Dr. Fitzgerald's practice has always been to use the most up to date technology so patients can experience state of the art dentistry in comfort. It is her firm belief that the office Team always stay ahead of the curve in continuing education.

Dr. Fitzgerald has been a pioneer in the painless procedure of Laser Dentistry. With her Waterlase MD Laser, she can do laser fillings and treat periodontal disease. This provides patients an alternative to traditional gum surgery. Patients, especially children love the fact that they don't need a "shot" for the fillings.

Our other technologies include digital x-rays (lower radiation), cone beam computerized technology (CBCT) which give us a huge advatage in diagnosing oral health conditions, CEREC (same day crowns), Snap in dentures, Implants and many cosmetic options.

Dr. Fitzgerald is also a big believer in giving back to the community where she is proud to support many school, church and community activites.

We want to create smiles that are healthy and beautiful. Let us create the smile of your dreams.

"My staff and I will settle for nothing less than providing you and your family with the highest level of professional dental care possible. We practice dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility; while using the latest dental procedures to ensure your visit is the most effective and comfortable possible."
—Kim Fitzgerald D.M.D

Carly A. Fitzgerald, DMD

Dr. Carly grew up locally in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate degree in Japanese and her Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD). Thereafter she joined the family business at Fitzgerald Dental Associates. Her passion for dentistry shows in her devotion to the profession. She loves attending the highest levels of continuing education to keep her skills superior. Bringing the most updated technology, newest techniques and latest information to her patients is what inspires her to thrive in her career. She is also a member of the Elite Spear Faculty Club!

When Dr. Carly isn’t pursuing her passion for dentistry, she enjoys cooking, hiking and exploring new places with her husband, Matt. They have two adorable dogs, Wendy and Wanda, who love going on long walks. When she gets a chance, Carly`s to jump into a good book.

Rebecca Berg, DMD, MDS

Dr. Rebecca Berg has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Gannon University. She completed her DMD degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2000. She was elected by faculty into membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society for academic achievement and leadership in dentistry. Dr. Berg was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh specialty Orthodontic residency where she earned a Master’s degree in Dental Science related to her research in orthodontics, as well as a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. She has been in private practice since 2003 and has been with Fitzgerald Dental Associates since 2010.

Dr. Berg was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. She and her husband Andy have three daughters – Mia, Makenna and Lily. Her family is very active and Dr. Berg enjoys attending her kid’s activities and sporting events. She, also, enjoys the outdoors, yoga and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Berg loves the changes made in people’s lives through orthodontics. She thoroughly enjoys seeing the self-confidence a beautiful smile can bring to people of all ages in their personal and professional lives. One of the most rewarding parts orthodontics for Dr. Berg is seeing people who previously covered their mouths or smiled with their lips closed begin to smile with confidence!

Christine C Wallisch, DMD

Dr. Christy has been a member of Fitzgerald Dental Associates since fall 2013. She is honored to be a part of the transparent communication and trustworthy, quality dental care of the office. As a clinician, she has over 10 years of experience, and continues to grow professionally with ongoing coursework and technology education. As a member of the dental team, she promises to provide the highest quality treatment. She strives for earning the trust of your smile

Dr. Christy was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University in 2004. Her school spirit belongs to the blue and white! In 2008, she graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, with extra credits focusing on geriatrics and pediatrics. Over the last ten years of practice, Dr. Christy have received multiple professional awards including 2014 Readers' Choice Award; 2015 Readers' Choice Silver Award; 2015, 2016, 2017 Readers' Choice Community Award; 2012 Top Dentist Award of Pittsburgh; and 2018 Top Family Dentist Award of Pennsylvania.

The greatest joy for Dr. Christy is being with her family of two sons, two pups, and a fabulous husband! As a farmer's wife, she enjoys the adventures and peacefulness of the outdoors. Dr. Christy is excited to be a part of such an extraordinary dental family. She values quality dental care; patient trust; and open communication in a friendly atmosphere. Dr. Christy is looking forward to caring for you and your family.

Dr. Shannon Pursel, DMD

Dr. Shannon Jackson Pursel is a graduate of Richland High School and Thiel College, where she received a BA in Biology. She earned her Doctorate Degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1993 and went on to complete a general practice residency at the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore. Dr. Pursel has been in private practice with her husband, Kevin, in Johnstown, PA since 1995 and is happy to relocate closer to her childhood home later this year. Her practice philosophy is to use the latest technology with a personal touch - Which makes her a fit here at Fitzgerald Dental Associates! She is the proud mom of two adult children, and two dogs. Her favorite activities are camping, fishing, and decorating her home with dozens of house plants!

Dr. Jason LaRue, DMD

Dr. LaRue was born and raised in Wheeling, WV. He attended West Virginia Wesleyan College for his undergraduate where he obtained a Bachelors of Science degree majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Dr. LaRue graduated from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2007. He has provided excellent care to patients in the greater Pittsburgh area for over 10 years and is most passionate about ensuring his patients are comfortable during their appointments. His joy comes from the smiles that he cares for.

Dr. LaRue is happily married to his wife of 16 years, Adrien. They have two beautiful daughters, Ella - 11 and Kate - 8. They have two dogs and a cat.

A self described Parrot Head, Dr. LaRue enjoys coaching and watching his daughters play softball and basketball. He is an avid West Virginia University Mountaineers fan with season football tickets. He also enjoys grilling in his backyard with friends and family.

Meet our Hygienists

Paige McClelland

Paige McClelland graduated from Youngstown State University in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH). Soon after graduation, she joined Fitzgerald Dental in June of 2018. One of her strongest motivations for practicing dental hygiene is knowing everyday she’s making a positive impact one patient at a time. Paige strives to ensure our patients always feel informed and comfortable during their visit. To her, there's nothing more gratifying than educating and helping patients overcome their dental fears. Outside of the office she enjoys traveling, snowboarding and hanging out with family and friends.

Jennifer Miller

Jen is a Registered Dental Hygienist that joined Fitzgerald Dental in 2018. She is a 2015 graduate from Suny Broome of Binghamton, NY. She loves working with patients and educating them on good oral health habits. She lives in Butler with her boyfriend and their dog Riley. Loves animals, live music, the outdoors, and most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Renee Lemmon

Renee

Renee grduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program in 2015. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree which was completed at the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. She is passionate about making patients feel comfortable during their dental visits because she underestands that visiting the dentist can be a very unnerving experience for may patients. When Renee is not working, she enjoys spending time at the beach, going to country concerts, gardening, kayaking and playing disc golf.

Heather Zarnick

I have had the pleasure of being part of Fitzgerald Dental since the beginning. I started working in the office in 1999 as a front desk manager. There were only three of us at that time. God put me where I was supposed to be because after working the front desk for a couple years, I learned about and fell in love with dental hygiene. That is when I decided to further my education and was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program. I graduated in 2003 and started my profession as a dental hygienist immediately at this office.

I am very blessed to have grown and to be a part of this wonderful practice for so many years! I have met so many wonderful people. And I work alongside so many wonderful people! I take great pride in our practice and the work we do! We are a state of the art practice! We take great care of our patients and work very hard to make every patients dental experience is the best it can be! In my spare time, I am most likely with my lovely family. I have a son, daughter, and stepson who all live with me and a stepdaughter who lives in North Carolina raising her own family. Some of my other loves are Jesus, flower gardens and the wonderful hunt for sea glass!

Susan Rykaczewski

Susan Rykaczewski has over 30 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Susan takes pride in building relationships with each of her patients and educating them in proper oral care. In her free time she loves to spend time with her husband, two children and dog. She also enjoys exercising and baking for all to enjoy.

Jenna Hiles

Jenna graduated from WCCC Dental Assisting, Expanded Functions Dental Assisting, & Dental Hygiene programs. Prior to graduating, she had already began her career at Fitzgerald Dental Associates in 2019 & continues to grow along with us!

Healthcare has always been Jenna’s biggest passion, so it’s no surprise that her main focus as an RDH is using her knowledge to educate her patients on oral to overall health & to help many of them conquer their dental anxiety.

Outside of the office, Jenna’s friends, family, pets, & plants mean the most to her. She enjoys her free-time outdoors & staying active in the gym.

Kierstin Schaffer

Kierstin has over 30 years of dental experience. She first graduated in 1993 from Dental Assisting School and worked part time as a dental assistant while in college. She graduated from Pitt University for Dental Hygiene in 1996.

Kierstin began her journey with our practice in 2004 when her children were younger, she had worked for many years as one of our fill-in hygienists, until accepting a permanent position. Over the years, she has loved seeing the practice grow and has loved offering quality patient care in our high tech & friendly atmosphere.

When Kierstin is not at work, her favorite hobby is baking specialty decorated sugar cookies and enjoys spending time with her husband and children.