Dr. Nick G. Northeast

Born in Warwickshire, England, he went to high school in West Kirby, Cheshire. Living on Merseyside in the 1960s were exciting times and he joined a group as drummer - playing at the famous Liverpool Cavern Club three times!

Graduating from Leeds University dental school in 1972, (currently the only Leeds graduate in B.C.) he spent a year working for the local health authority running a children’s clinic in Hemsworth, South Yorkshire. From there he moved to York - spending two years in private general practice and then a further two years in Beverley, Humberside.

Disenchanted with the standard of care in the National Health Service at that time, he came to Vancouver in 1976 to take the qualifying examination to practice in B.C.

The following year he emigrated and spent two years working in Abbottsford. By this time with a young family he decided to raise them in Victoria and took over the practice started in 1975 by  Dr. Roger Brown, who ironically was moving back to England.

Since August 1979 Dr. Northeast likes to believe he has been meeting the dental needs of many James Bay residents (and many from outside areas as well!) ever since. Outside of the office his current hobbies are old English cars (he has two), infrequent golf games and lots of cricket playing for Metchosin (Weekend league) and Sidney (Midweek league).              

His wife Anne, is also well known in James Bay where she has been a registered nurse at James Bay Lodge since 1980.

Nick and Anne have an adult daughter, Charlotte, son Jeremy and grand-daughter Imani.

Joanne Erickson

Born and raised in Port Alberni, (her parents now call Qualicum Beach home) Joanne worked in the banking industry before studying  to be a dental receptionist in 1990. She only needed to find one job because she started at this office immediately after training and has been here ever since.

Over the last 13 years she has seen the transition from a one write system through several generations of front desk computers to the current system where many insurance claims are filed on-line electronically.

Known for her encyclopaedic knowledge of nearly everyone who lives in James Bay. Joanne is an important asset to the smooth operation of the office.

A keen animal lover, Joanne enjoys her pet birds and occasional trips to seek the sun in places like Hawaii with her boyfriend, Dan.

Rita Steenssens

Rita’s home town is Winnipeg where her family still resides, She went to St. Norbert’s high school and from there enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program at the University of Manitoba. Upon graduation in 1976 she found employment in a children’s dental office where she worked for the next 17 years.

In October 1993, as the snow started to fall, Rita and family decided to move to warmer climes arriving in Victoria in January1994. She has no regrets about leaving those winters behind! Rita immediately started work at this office and has been meeting the needs of our patients ever since, her gentle approach  taking  the fear away from “the cleaning!”

Outside the office, Rita is building a fine reputation as a serious photographer utilizing  professional grade film cameras and working with images digitally. She enjoys photographing people - especially children. Rita has many wedding assignments to her credit both in Victoria and elsewhere.

Rita’s husband, Joe, also works in the dental industry as a salesperson. They have two adult daughters, Karmin and Alexandra 

Marion Skillings

            Born in Victoria to an English father and South African mother, Marion graduated from Victoria High School and later trained at Camosun College as a Certified Dental Assistant qualifying in 1995. In 1997 she came to work at our office where she is a Rita look-a-like that confuses many patients! In 2001 she took more training in the prosthodontic module which means she can do some of the hands on procedures during crown and bridge treatment.

            In June 2002 she started a year’s maternity leave giving birth to her first child a daughter, Ella. Despite motherhood though she loves her job so much she will be returning in June!

            Married to Gordon, both are keen sports participants - Gordon in soccer, Marion in power walking and both in softball. 

Mandy Weir

Mandy is one of the few original born and raised in Victoria people! She qualified from the Certified Dental Assistant program at Camosun College, Victoria in 2002 - doing her final practicum at our office. She immediately took over the position of Certified Dental Assistant for Marion’s year of maternity leave.

Mandy is getting married in May to Steve and they will have the good fortune of Rita’s photography skills at her wedding.

In June 2003, when Marion returns, we will be wishing her well in her future career.