Meet the Team

Practice Director

With more than 20 years of experience in the medical and dental fields, Aftin Rushak brings exceptional knowledge, leadership, and compassion to her role as Practice Director at Duthie Orthodontics. Her passion for patient care, combined with her dedication to creating an outstanding patient experience, helps make every visit welcoming, comfortable, and memorable.

Prior to expanding her career into the business management side of the dental industry, Aftin worked as a Registered Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA). Her clinical background gives her a unique understanding of patient care and allows her to effectively support both the clinical and administrative teams while ensuring the practice operates at the highest level.

Aftin is passionate about building lasting relationships with patients and their families. She believes every smile tells a story and takes pride in helping create positive experiences that leave patients feeling confident and cared for from their very first visit.

Outside of the office, Aftin enjoys spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of two grown children. As a soon to be first-time grandmother, she cherishes every opportunity to make memories with her growing family.

Aftin's dedication, warmth, and commitment to excellence make her an integral part of the Duthie Orthodontics family. She looks forward to welcoming every patient and helping them achieve a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

Treatment Coordinator

My career in orthodontics started in 1989. I earned my COA in 1992. I am now the treatment coordinator for our Auburn location and also help out in our Ithaca location when needed. I do a little bit of everything to help out in the office. Throughout my career in orthodontics, I have met so many wonderful patients and parents and have enjoyed every one of them. I have learned so much over the past 37 plus years, and I still learn new things in orthodontics every day. The technology in orthodontics just keeps getting better. Helping patients and parents throughout their orthodontic journey is one of the best rewards ever!

I have been married for 44 years to my husband John. We enjoy working around the house and gardening, and a little travel here and there. We especially love going to our grandson's lacrosse games. I enjoy golfing when I can. We also love watching the NY Giants football team and watching all Syracuse sports. We have two beautiful, grown daughters. Jessica is our oldest, is a third-grade teacher, and is married to John McNabb. They have two amazing boys, Carter and Hudson. Our youngest daughter Jill is the head coach at NIKE and is married to Tim Langdon, and they have a son, Jaxson and a rescue pitbull, Tressa. Our children and grandchildren are the world to us.

Dental Assistant

Favorite part of my job for over 21 years is assisting in creating beautiful smiles and gaining confidence that lasts a lifetime.

I bring over two decades of specialized orthodontic experience to our team. For over 21 years, my top priority has been delivering exceptional care with the Dr's while making patients feel completely at ease. I possess a true passion for the artistry of orthodontics. I absolutely love watching each patient’s smile with the change and seeing their confidence skyrocket throughout their treatment journey.

When I am not creating beautiful smiles, I stay busy living life to the fullest. I cherish quality time spent with my family and friends. An adventurer at heart, I love traveling to new places, exploring anything outdoors, and constantly seeking out new, fun experiences.

Treatment Coordinator

With 27 years of dedicated service at Duthie Orthodontics, Missy has been an integral part of our practice and a familiar, welcoming face to generations of patients and families. Her extensive experience and commitment to exceptional patient care have made her an invaluable member of our team.

Missy spent 21 years as an orthodontic assistant, where she developed a passion for helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles. She then transitioned into the insurance department for four years, using her knowledge and attention to detail to help patients navigate their insurance benefits with ease. Today, she serves as one of our Treatment Coordinators, where she enjoys building relationships with new patients, answering questions, and guiding families through every step of their orthodontic journey.

Missy's warmth, experience, and genuine care for others make her a trusted resource for our patients and an essential part of the Duthie Orthodontics family.

Sterilization Technician

Tina is a dedicated Lab and Sterilization Technician who brings passion, positivity, and a commitment to excellence to her role. She takes great pride in her work and is passionate about providing support that helps create a safe, efficient, and successful environment for both her team and patients.

One of Tina’s greatest strengths is her love for learning. She enjoys expanding her knowledge, discovering new techniques, and taking on new challenges that allow her to grow both personally and professionally. She believes every experience is an opportunity to learn something new and make the most out of every moment.

Tina truly enjoys meeting new people and building connections with those around her. Her enthusiasm, willingness to help, and positive attitude make her a valued member of the team. She continues to bring dedication, curiosity, and a genuine passion for her work each day.

Orthodontic Assistant

Morgan joined the Duthie Orthodontics team after relocating back to the area from Denver, bringing with her 17 years of experience in the dental field. She is passionate about creating a positive patient experience and enjoys helping every patient feel comfortable and confident throughout their orthodontic journey.

Outside of the office, Morgan is happily married and loves spending time with her dog, Moose. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, caring for her plants, and playing volleyball. Morgan's friendly personality, dedication, and years of experience make her a valued member of the Duthie Orthodontics family.

Orthodontic Assistant

Shelly has had the privilege of working as an Orthodontic Assistant for the past two years and loves being part of the smile transformations that happen every day at Duthie Orthodontics.

She works closely with the doctors chairside while also providing compassionate, independent care to ensure every patient feels comfortable, supported, and well taken care of throughout their orthodontic journey. Shelly is skilled in digital diagnostics, including taking x-rays and utilizing advanced technology such as the iTero scanner to assist with Invisalign treatment planning.

The most rewarding part of Shelly’s role is witnessing the incredible transformations her patients experience. She loves seeing their confidence grow as they achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Her dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for patients make her a valued member of the Duthie Orthodontics team.

Front Desk Coordinator

Tracy is a welcoming and dedicated member of the Duthie Orthodontics team, serving as a Front Desk Coordinator. She brings a unique and diverse professional background to her roles and experience. Her attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to connect with people make her a wonderful asset to our team.

Tracy enjoys creating a positive and comfortable experience for every patient from the moment they walk through the door. She loves helping families navigate their orthodontic journey and takes pride in providing friendly, compassionate support while keeping the office running smoothly.

Outside of the office, Tracy enjoys spending time with her husband and supporting her college-aged daughter. She values family, connection, and making the most of life’s moments. Tracy’s caring personality, professionalism, and genuine desire to help others make her an important part of the Duthie Orthodontics family.

Summer has been a valued member of the Duthie Orthodontics team for the past year. Known for her bright personality, bubbly energy, and always having a smile on her face, Summer brings positivity and warmth to everyone she meets.

She loves creating a welcoming environment and takes pride in bringing a positive attitude to the office each day. Her cheerful spirit and genuine care for others make her a wonderful addition to the Duthie Orthodontics family.

Outside of the office, Summer enjoys spending time with her three boys and making memories with her family. She loves being outdoors, paddle boarding, and enjoying new adventures whenever she can. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, you can often find her singing her heart out during karaoke!

Summer’s enthusiasm, kindness, and uplifting personality help make every day a little brighter for both her teammates and patients.

Assistant

Cary has been a valued member of the Duthie Orthodontics team for the past two years. With many years of experience in orthodontics, she brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to her role each day. Cary truly loves working in orthodontics and enjoys being part of a field that helps create confident, healthy smiles.

She takes pride in building relationships with patients and making each person feel comfortable and cared for throughout their orthodontic journey. Her experience, compassion, and commitment to excellence make her a wonderful addition to the Duthie Orthodontics family.

Outside of the office, Cary stays busy as a proud mother of four. She enjoys supporting her children, attending their activities, and cheering them on as they participate in their various sports teams. Whether at work or at home, Cary brings dedication, positivity, and a caring spirit to everything she does.