At Ross Medical Education Center, we celebrate the unique journeys of our faculty members, especially those who have grown from students into professionals and mentors. Karissa Shoen, RDA, Lead Dental Faculty at our Flint campus, embodies this journey. Her story is one of discovery, dedication, and transformation. From uncertain beginnings to a fulfilling career in dental education, Karissa’s experiences offer valuable insight for current students, alumni, and anyone considering a career in healthcare.
We spoke with Karissa to learn about her path, the lessons she has learned, and the moments that have shaped her both personally and professionally.
Can you tell us about your background and where you grew up?
I grew up in Linden, Michigan, which is about 20 miles south of Flint. It was a small town when I was a child, and everyone knew each other, though it has grown considerably over the years. My family has always been very close, and that sense of connection has influenced so much of who I am today.
I was raised by my mom and stepdad, and I have three siblings. I have an older sister, a younger sister close to my age, and a younger brother who joined our family when I was 13. Being old enough to help care for him gave me an early sense of responsibility and taught me the value of patience and guidance. Those early experiences with my siblings have stayed with me, and family continues to be a core part of my life.
An interesting part of my story is that my older sister and I attended Ross at the same time. She was in the Medical Assisting program, and I was in Dental Assisting. We went through classes, labs, and externships together. Sharing those experiences made the learning process feel even more meaningful and created memories I still cherish.
What led you to Ross, especially when you were unsure of your career path?
After high school, I spent about a year working without a clear sense of direction. I knew I wanted to do something meaningful, but I was unsure what that would look like. I had moments of uncertainty and often questioned what my next step should be.
When my sister came to enroll at Ross, she encouraged me to come with her just to look around. I did not have any expectations; I was simply tagging along. As we walked through the campus, we passed a dental classroom where students were actively taking impressions. I remember pausing and just watching. Something clicked.
In that instant, I realized that this was a field where I could both challenge myself and help others. It felt natural, like I had finally found a place where I belonged. By the end of that visit, I had enrolled and started classes just a few days later. Looking back, it feels like one of those moments where life presents you with a clear choice, and you recognize it immediately.
How would you describe your experience as a Ross student?
Being a student at Ross was transformative. The program was hands-on, comprehensive, and designed to build confidence as well as technical skills. I felt supported every step of the way, particularly by my instructor. She challenged me, guided me, and created an environment where I could ask questions without fear of judgment.
That approach has stayed with me and greatly influences how I teach today. I always strive to make students feel comfortable, to encourage curiosity, and to ensure they feel confident in the classroom. Ross gave me not only the technical foundation I needed but also the professional confidence to succeed in a real-world dental setting.
What did your career look like after graduating from Ross?
I graduated in 2018 and began working in various dental offices. Those first years were a period of immense learning. Each office taught me something new, from patient interaction to workflow management and clinical techniques. I loved being able to help patients directly while refining my own skills.
When my second son was born, I decided to step away from work and focus on being a stay-at-home mom. That time was invaluable. I enjoyed being present with my children, but after a while, I felt the pull to return to the workforce. I wanted a role that offered flexibility but also purpose, a way to contribute professionally without sacrificing my family responsibilities.
That’s when I saw a posting for a classroom aide position at Ross’ Flint campus. It felt like the perfect way to return to work, combining a familiar environment with meaningful impact.
How did you transition from classroom aide to instructor so quickly?
During my interview, the staff mentioned that the campus actually needed an instructor rather than a classroom aide. I met the experience requirements and was invited to step into the role. I decided to take the opportunity, and what followed was an incredibly fast transition.
I started with morning classes, then took evening classes, and shortly after, I became the lead instructor. It was a lot at first, but I felt ready to rise to the challenge. Many of the skills I had developed in clinical practice, such as explaining procedures, breaking down complex concepts, and guiding others through learning, transferred naturally into the classroom.
What challenges did you face stepping into a teaching role for the first time?
Teaching adults for the first time came with unique challenges. While I had trained assistants in dental offices, instructing students who were entirely new to the field required a different approach. I spent time researching adult learning styles, teaching methods, and effective classroom management strategies.
I also experienced moments of self-doubt. It was intimidating to know that students were relying on me to help them succeed in their chosen career. Over time, their feedback reassured me. Hearing that students felt confident and understood the material reinforced that I was in the right role and capable of making a positive impact.
How has your experience at Ross been since becoming an instructor?
It has been incredibly rewarding. The Flint campus staff are collaborative, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. Teaching both morning and evening classes can be demanding, but it also allows me to work with a wide variety of students.
One of the most rewarding parts of the role is witnessing student growth. Seeing students go from learning basic terminology to successfully preparing for externships and graduation never gets old. Each milestone reminds me why I chose this path.
Are there any moments with students that stand out to you?
My first group of students will always be memorable. I watched them grow from beginners to confident professionals ready for externship. Some of them continue to keep in touch, sharing career updates and achievements, which is incredibly meaningful to me.
There are also moments when students face personal challenges outside the classroom. Supporting them through those experiences and watching them persevere and complete the program is profoundly rewarding and reinforces the importance of empathy and guidance in teaching.
Have mentors played a role in your journey?
Absolutely. My former instructor continues to be a mentor, providing guidance and encouragement even after I graduated. She has helped me navigate the transition from clinician to educator and continues to offer insight into both professional and personal development.
Her mentorship taught me to recognize my strengths, even when I doubted myself. I aim to provide the same encouragement and support to my students, helping them see potential they may not yet recognize in themselves.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Becoming a Registered Dental Assistant is a major source of pride for me. While working as an instructor, I pursued my RDA certification, dedicating months to study and preparation. Successfully completing it was both rewarding and motivating.
I keep my certificate on display in the classroom and often discuss the certification process with students. I want them to see that with focus and determination, it is an achievable goal.
What does a typical day look like for you now?
My days are full but balanced. I teach morning classes from 9:00 to 1:30 and evening classes from 5:30 to 10:00. Between classes, I manage family responsibilities, including helping my children with school and activities.
One of my favorite parts of the day is watching students arrive on campus. Whether it is the calm of the morning or the energy of the evening, their excitement and curiosity serve as constant reminders of why teaching is so rewarding.
What advice would you give to current or future Ross students?
Persevere, even on days that feel overwhelming. Challenges are a natural part of learning, and you are never expected to face them alone. Faculty and staff genuinely care about your success and are always available to offer support and guidance.
Working through difficult moments often opens unexpected doors. The effort may feel demanding at times, but the rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth it.
Karissa’s journey from student to instructor at Ross Medical Education Center highlights the impact of curiosity, dedication, and a strong support system. Her story demonstrates that moments of uncertainty can lead to meaningful careers when you remain open to new opportunities and committed to growth. Now, as she guides the next generation of dental professionals, Karissa inspires through her expertise and genuine care for her students. Her path shows that education is not just about learning technical skills, but about shaping lives and creating lasting influence.