Karen LeGendre

Karen LeGendre is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience supporting nonprofit and public‑sector organizations through financial strategy, governance, and grant compliance. She brings deep expertise in budget oversight, financial reporting, and federal compliance, and is known for translating complex financial information into clear insights for leadership and boards. As a board member of The Happy Teeth Project, Karen provides strategic financial perspective and a strong commitment to responsible stewardship in support of the organization’s mission.

Smile Maker Celebration Dinner

What an incredible honor and privilege it was to host our very first Smile Maker Celebration Dinner as we recognized our three 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients: Robert, Quinn, and Winter.

Each recipient was joined by family members as well as someone who had written a letter of recommendation on their behalf. Robert attended with his mother, Amanda, and Major Keith Purvis of the Civil Air Patrol. Quinn was joined by her father, Michael, her brother, Rory, and Mrs. Dyer, who first met and befriended Quinn through theater class. Winter celebrated alongside her mother, Jenora, her sisters, Skylynn and Nova, and both Mrs. Meadows and Mrs. Trueblood, whose heartfelt recommendations helped tell Winter’s story.

One of the special moments of the evening was recognizing several individuals and organizations whose generosity made this celebration—and our mission—possible.

We were honored to recognize Robert Lajcaj of Independence Market by Meijer. During the store’s 2025 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Independence Market made a generous donation to The Happy Teeth Project. At that time, we promised Robert that every dollar would support the Happy Dragon Project within the Lake Orion Community Schools. Throughout the past year, we have stayed in touch, and it was important for us to let him know just how instrumental that gift has been in changing young lives. We are excited to continue building this partnership for years to come.

We were also grateful to have Superintendent Heidi Mercer in attendance. From our very first meeting, Superintendent Mercer has been a true partner in our mission. She coordinated meetings with counselors throughout the district, helped identify eligible students, and served on our selection committee, where candidates were evaluated anonymously before our final recipients were chosen.

When we shared our vision of expanding into the Lapeer and Waterford school districts for the 2026-2027 school year, Superintendent Mercer graciously introduced us to both district superintendents. Following those meetings, we are thrilled to announce that both districts have chosen to partner with The Happy Teeth Project, allowing us to serve even more deserving students.

None of this would be possible without our outstanding orthodontic partners.

Our first community partner was Dr. DeHaan and the team at DeHaan Orthodontics. Dr. DeHaan has a long history of investing in the Lake Orion community, and once again he answered the call to serve. Dr. DeHaan and his team will be providing Quinn’s orthodontic care, giving her the opportunity to smile with confidence.

We were equally honored to have Havens Orthodontics represented by Dr. Paron and Amber Fonnegra. Our partnership with Havens Orthodontics has been an incredible blessing. With multiple locations throughout southeast Michigan, they have enthusiastically committed to supporting The Happy Teeth Project as we expand into new communities. As providence would have it, Havens Orthodontics has locations perfectly positioned to serve both our Lapeer and Waterford expansion efforts. They will also be providing Winter’s and Robert’s orthodontic treatment.

For our Happy Teeth Project team, however, the true highlight of the evening was finally meeting the incredible young people and families we have the privilege of serving. Seeing their smiles, hearing their stories, and witnessing the joy shared between the recipients, their families, and those who had advocated so passionately for them was more meaningful than words can adequately express. It was a beautiful reminder of why this organization exists.

As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, our goal is to recognize and serve seven Smile Maker Award recipients across the three districts. We hope next year’s celebration will not only be larger in number but even richer in stories of hope, confidence, and transformed lives.

Every smile tells a story. We are grateful to be part of those stories and look forward to continuing our mission of changing lives—one smile at a time.

2026 Smile Maker – Robert

We are honored to introduce one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients, Robert.

One of the many things that captivated our team about Robert is his commitment to service. Since his freshman year, he has dedicated more than 100 hours to community service through school projects, community initiatives, and church-related events. In his essay, his love for his mother and siblings also stood out in a powerful and sincere way, reflecting the heart behind everything he does.

Robert will be a senior this coming year, with hopes of joining the military and long-term aspirations of becoming a police officer. Even at this early stage of life, Robert is already demonstrating that service is not just something he participates in—it is something that defines who he is becoming.

When Robert isn’t serving his community, he competes on his school’s football and powerlifting teams, continuing to show discipline, strength, and dedication in everything he takes on.

Robert’s orthodontic care will be performed by Haven Orthodontics.

100+

HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Through school, community, and church- related projects

FAMILY-FOCUSED

Deep love and appreciation for his mom and siblings

FUTURE GOALS

Plans to join the military and become a police officer

STUDENT-ATHLETE

Proud member of the school's football and powerlifting teams

CORE VALUES

Service, dedication, leadership, and a heart for others

Robert's compassion, work ethic, and commitment to serving others make him a true

Smile Maker

We are honored to support him on his journey!

2026 Smile Maker – Winter

Winter 2026 Smile Maker

We are honored to introduce one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients, Winter.

Winter’s exceptional character was affirmed by both Mrs. Meadows and Mrs. Trueblood, who each wrote heartfelt letters of recommendation on her behalf. While her essay candidly shared some of the personal challenges she has faced and the emotions that have accompanied them, what stood out even more was the profound impact she has on the people around her.

During our review process, those advocating for Winter became emotional as they spoke about her character, her influence, and why they believed she was so deserving of this award. When people are willing to stand up for you in rooms where you are not present, it speaks volumes about the kind of person you are. That is exactly the impression Winter left on everyone involved.

This fall, Winter will begin her senior year of high school. She plans to pursue a career in the medical field, a passion she discovered through her participation in the Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) Health Sciences program. We are excited to see all that the future holds for her and are proud to recognize her as a 2026 Smile Maker Award recipient.

We are also grateful to the team at Haven Orthodontics, who will be providing Winter’s orthodontic treatment. Their generosity will help transform not only her smile but also the confidence that comes with it. We are excited to see all that the future holds for Winter and are proud to recognize her as one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients.

2026 Smile Maker Quinn

Quinn 2026 Smile Maker

We are proud to introduce Quinn as one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients.

Quinn’s outstanding character was enthusiastically supported by Mrs. Dyer and others who shared stories of the impact Quinn has made in her community. Among those stories was the creation of a free neighborhood library, as well as the friendships Quinn developed with neighbors who had immigrated from Poland. Through those relationships, Quinn spent time helping their daughters learn to speak English, demonstrating a heart for service and compassion beyond her years.

Of all the essays we received, Quinn’s stood out for its honesty and vulnerability. She beautifully captured the challenges of being a teenager today and reminded us that orthodontic care is about far more than appearance. For many young people, it is about building confidence, restoring self-esteem, and finding the courage to smile without fear of ridicule.

Quinn will be a sophomore this fall, and we are grateful that her smile transformation will be provided by Dr. DeHaan and the incredible team at DeHaan Orthodontics. We look forward to watching Quinn’s confidence continue to grow and are honored to welcome her as one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients.

Partnership Announcement: Havens Orthodontics

Haven Orthodontics Partners 400

“The Happy Teeth Project is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Havens Orthodontics that will significantly expand access to life-changing orthodontic care for students throughout our communities.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to smile with confidence, regardless of their financial circumstances. When The Happy Teeth Project connected with the leadership team at Havens Orthodontics, the response from Dr. Aaron Havens, Dr. David Havens, Dr. Tom Paron, Dr. Nick Ancona and Dr. John Baker was immediate and inspiring.

Recognizing the profound impact that orthodontic treatment can have on a young person’s confidence, self-esteem, and future opportunities, these doctors committed their expertise, resources, and support to help expand access to care for deserving students throughout our region.

Through the support of Havens Orthodontics and its network of nine locations, The Happy Teeth Project will now be able to expand its reach beyond Lake Orion and into the Lapeer and Waterford School Districts, creating new opportunities for students and families who otherwise may not have access to treatment.

This partnership represents far more than orthodontic care. It is a commitment to confidence, opportunity, and hope. Every child who receives treatment gains more than a healthier smile—they gain the confidence to speak, laugh, participate, and pursue their future without hesitation.

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Havens Orthodontics leadership and support teams, including Amber Fonnegra, whose work helped bring this partnership to life.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, our school partners, the families we serve, and the students whose lives will be forever changed, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Aaron Havens, Dr. David Havens, Dr. Tom Paron, Dr. Nick Ancona, Dr. John Baker, and the entire Havens Orthodontics team.

Together, we are creating brighter futures—one smile at a time.”

Haven Orthodontics Partners

Lapeer

810-667-4006

421 S. Main St.,
Lapeer, MI 48446

Waterford

5900 S Main St
Clarkston, MI, 48346

248-674-5210

Website

Celebrating Our First Completed Project: Karis’ Journey with The Happy Teeth Project

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Karis was selected as the very first candidate for The Happy Teeth Project. In that time, she has experienced an incredible journey of growth and achievement. Since we introduced her selection, Karis has transitioned into high school, become a leader on the JV cheerleading team, joined the tennis team, and is now just steps away from earning her driver’s license. How time flies!

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the completion of our first project—and what a meaningful milestone it is.

This achievement would not have been possible without the generous partnership and unwavering support of Lazarus Orthodontics. Their entire team, from doctors to staff, played a vital role in making Karis’ experience one filled with pride, confidence, and smiles. Their professionalism and heart truly embody what it means to give back to the community, and we are deeply grateful for their involvement.

In the five years since launching, The Happy Teeth Project has continued to grow. We’ve been able to assist additional youth and are actively building strong partnerships that will allow us to expand our reach even further. Karis will always be the first, but she is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting and impactful mission.

To everyone who has supported us so far—thank you. We can’t wait to share more stories like Karis’ in the years to come.

Big Hearts, Bigger Smiles: A Meijer Moment”

 

A few months ago, I was casually checking my email when I came across a message from someone named Robert Lajcaj. I didn’t recognize the name, but my curiosity was piqued—he was with Meijer and involved in launching a new store in Clarkston, Michigan: The Independence Market.

His email was thoughtful. He said he wanted to learn more about The Happy Teeth Project and that he and his team were considering us for a partnership. Now, I’ll be honest—my first reaction was that this had to be a scam (sadly, a sign of the times). But I replied anyway, and we ended up meeting for coffee later that week. Robert even introduced me to his team: Keri Tomac, Ashley Fries, and Tristen McGaha.

It turns out Tristen had come across our website, got curious about what we do, and brought that curiosity to his team. That first meeting was fantastic—energizing, exciting, and, to be honest, a little surreal. Here was a major corporation showing real interest in our little nonprofit. I sent thank-you notes after the meeting, still unsure where it might lead. Worst case? Robert bought my coffee, so I figured I was already ahead.

About a month later, I got a message from Keri. We met again—this time with Keri, Ashley, and Robert—and they shared some incredible news: they wanted to present The Happy Teeth Project with a $5,000 check. Just about to the penny, that’s what it costs us to fund an average project. Talk about good timing!

They invited us to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Independence Market, where Robert presented the check alongside Meijer Co-Chairman and CEO Hank Meijer, and President and CEO Rick Keyes.

I’m deeply thankful to Mr. Meijer and his leadership team for keeping philanthropy front and center as their company grows. The Happy Teeth Project is excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work alongside such good-hearted people.

As for the $5,000? It’s already at work—fully funding our very first project with a new (and our first!) school district: Lake Orion. That’s definitely something to smile about.

George D. Cherrick IV

Orthodontic Assistance for Adopted Children in Michigan: A Guide for Families

Michigan's Children Need Our Help

In Michigan, families who have adopted children from the state’s foster care system may be eligible for financial assistance to cover orthodontic treatments, such as braces, through the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program. This program is designed to support the medical and dental needs of adopted children, ensuring they receive necessary care without imposing undue financial strain on their families.We Are Families Rising+4parc-orchards.org+4strong-families.org+4

Understanding the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program, which provides reimbursement for certain medical and dental expenses incurred by adoptive families. Specifically, for orthodontic services, the program offers:strong-families.org+1parc-orchards.org+1Delta Dental of Michigan

  • Maximum Lifetime Benefit: Up to $5,000 per child for orthodontic treatment related to a certified medical condition.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • The child must have been adopted from Michigan’s public foster care system.
    • The orthodontic condition must have existed, or the cause of the condition must have existed, prior to the adoption.
    • A medical subsidy agreement must be in place before the initiation of treatment. Delta Dental of Michigan+6parc-orchards.org+6Michigan+6
  • Application Process:
    • Parents must submit a treatment plan from a licensed orthodontic provider detailing the condition, proposed treatment, timeline, expected outcomes, and total cost.
    • While prior approval is not required for orthodontic services, the medical subsidy for a certified condition must be established before treatment begins.Michigan+1strong-families.org+1

It’s important to note that the program does not cover routine dental care or cosmetic treatments. The focus is on medically necessary orthodontic interventions that address specific health conditions. Michigan

Steps to Access Orthodontic Assistance

  1. Consult with an Orthodontist: Schedule an evaluation with a licensed orthodontist to assess your child’s needs and obtain a comprehensive treatment plan.
  2. Submit Required Documentation: Provide the treatment plan and any necessary medical records to the Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Office (AGAO) to establish the medical subsidy agreement.We Are Families Rising+4parc-orchards.org+4strong-families.org+4
  3. Confirm Eligibility and Coverage: Once the medical subsidy is approved, confirm the extent of coverage and any remaining out-of-pocket expenses.strong-families.org
  4. Initiate Treatment: With the subsidy in place, proceed with the orthodontic treatment as outlined in the approved plan.

Additional Resources

  • Adoption Medical Subsidy Program Information Booklet: This booklet provides detailed information about the program, including eligibility criteria and application procedures.
  • Parent Application for Adoption Medical Subsidy (Form DHS-1341-A): This form is required to apply for the medical subsidy and must be submitted along with the necessary documentation.
  • Contact Information:
    • Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Office (AGAO):
      • Phone: 517-335-7801
      • Email: cshcsfc@michigan.gov

By leveraging the resources available through the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program, adoptive families in Michigan can ensure their children receive the orthodontic care they need for a healthy and confident smile.Fostering Futures+5Michigan+5Child Welfare Information Gateway+5

Partnership Announcement: DeHaan Orthodontics

DeHaan Orthodontics

We are proud to announce a new partnership with DeHaan Orthodontics in Lake Orion to help us best serve our Smile Makers selected in this area, namely The Happy Dragon Project, which we will have more information on in the coming weeks and months.

Dr. Andrew DeHaan and his team have been a staple in this community for some time, and this charitable alliance is one of many that they have been involved with. After personally meeting with Dr. DeHaan, his office manager Jen, and their marketing coordinator Mary, I am confident that they will greatly contribute to our mission: “To inspire confidence in our youth by changing the world, one smile at a time.”

 

George D. Cherrick IV

DeHaan Orthodontics

(248) 391-4477

922 S. Baldwin Road
Lake Orion, MI 48348

Website