About Our Staff

I have enjoyed the private practice of orthodontics in Austin for 30 years. My wife and I are both from Austin, graduating together from McCallum High School and the University of Texas. We have raised our children here and now have grandchildren growing up in Austin...fourth generation Austinites. Outside of my practice I spend as much time outdoors as possible. I enjoy golf, hiking, motorcycling, yardwork, mountain biking, photography, reading, and entertaining my grandkids!

Because part of me is still a child at heart, watching kids grow and change continues to intrigue me. I am blessed that I can do this both in my work and in my personal life.

If I had not met and married my husband, Norm, in 1988,
I would have never stumbled into the career that I have loved for the past 20 years. I have worked for both general dentists and orthodontists and in both the front and back office. There is absolutely no place else that compares to the wonderful uniqueness of what we have here. In my five years with Dr. Zapalac I have been blessed to work with the best group of ladies, the most laid back doctor, and sweetest patients and parents on earth! My son, Derrick, has listened to me talk orthodontics for ten years, and is now getting to experience it first-hand as a patient of Dr. Zapalac’s,
(only the best orthodontist for my son)!

I grew up in Big Spring, Texas. I moved to Austin in 1998. I went looking for the BEST Orthodontist in town and everyone agreed who I should go to. I started my treatment with Dr. Zapalac in December 1998 and never had one regret!!! After two years of orthodontic appointments and being exposed to what an awesome office this was, I felt this was the only place I belong.
I began working for Dr. Zapalac in 2001 and I was right.......this is the best place to have braces and the best place to work!!! I married Darrin (he and his siblings were Zapalac patients, too) on December 4, 2004. Our favorite places to be are with our friends and family. We are really blessed to have such great people in our lives!! I know you are going to feel the same way about Dr. Zapalac's office as I did. I look forward to meeting you in person.

I was born in Angleton, TX in October 1975. Though I have lived many places during my life (Lake Jackson, Burnet, New Waverly Tatum, Lufkin), Austin is my favorite. I have two sisters and a brother. My husband, Jeff and I were married in 1994 and have no children, but I enjoy being an aunt. I have had many employment ventures from life guarding to life insurance, but (and again my favorite) has been working for Dr. Zapalac. The small office, great team, and great patients, have been a great fit, and I love what I do!

I was born and raised in Colorado. I am a 2006 graduate of the University of Colorado, go Buffs, with a Bachelors Degree in Integrative Physiology. My husband, James, and I moved to Austin in July 2006 in pursuit of his firefighting career. Shortly after the move, I came to Dr. Zapalac's office. I knew how much I had benefited from my braces and I wanted to be a part of the same experience for someone else, every day! The rest of the staff took us under their wings and made us a part of their family. I am so grateful! Looking back on moving to a new place, not knowing a soul and meeting such wonderful people, I realize how fortunate I am.