Meet Dr. Maher

Creating Lifetimes of Healthy Smiles

As an orthodontist, I love that I am able to provide the people of my communities with healthy, beautiful smiles they will enjoy for a lifetime. It gives me joy to set people up for success in their future endeavors by giving each the confidence that comes with a smile they love to share!

Orthodontics is a unique profession: I get to meet and spend time with people who have made a decision to make a lasting improvement in their physical and emotional health. It is fulfilling to become friends with my patients and see how each person changes and grows during their treatment.

Throughout their time in my care, I see people move from feeling self-conscious about their teeth to being confident in their appearance. Witnessing a child’s blossoming personality, seeing a teen become more comfortable around peers, or working with an adult who is now thrilled to smile, is incredible. I feel fortunate to see these changes on a daily basis!

I am grateful to every person who has entrusted their future smile to my team and to me. I would be honored to help you achieve a life-changing, beautifully healthy and lasting smile, too!

Education and Experience

I was drawn to oral healthcare, and the orthodontics specialty, because it allows me to practice science and art, while becoming friends with remarkable people. It helps that I grew up with an orthodontist father, Dr. Jerry Blachowiak, and saw what the specialty meant to him and his patients!

I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for my Bachelor of Science in pharmacology and toxicology. After college, I attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where I received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

During dental school, I was honored to receive awards for clinical abilities and academics: the American Cancer Society Award, the Oral Biology Award, and the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s Wallace D. Armstrong Award.

Following dental school, I completed my Master of Science and certificate of specialty in orthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

I have practiced orthodontics for more than 15 years and still wake up excited and energized to come to the office!

Continuing Education and Professional Affiliations

Treating the person, not their malocclusion, is core to how I practice. I think about what will give the ideal results — improved bite, stable function, and an aesthetically pleasing smile — while ensuring treatment is efficient and comfortable. This is easy, since I consider my patients to be family and therefore strive always do to what is in their best interest.

Orthodontics, like all healthcare fields, is constantly advancing. Continuing education allows me to provide patients the best treatment options with predictable results, that are firmly grounded in science.

In addition to participating in study groups, I regularly attend conferences, lectures, and seminars, and volunteer with the Minnesota Association of Orthodontists. I am certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the:

• American Association of Orthodontists
• Minnesota Association of Orthodontists
• Minnesota Dental Association
• Wisconsin Dental Association

Outside the Practice

Originally from Chippewa Falls, I have called Hudson home with my family since 2005. My husband John and I have three daughters: Avery, Addison, and Embry. The girls keep us busy with their many activities and interests, from dance to hockey to horse riding!

Our family also includes three wonderful dogs: Luna, a Goldendoodle; Bently, a Standard Poodle; and Willow, a delightful mutt. Both Bently and Willow were adopted from Coco’s Heart, a local dog rescue we love fostering for.

If I’m not seeing patients, you will likely find me with my family and our ever-growing circle of friends. I especially love being outside, getting out into nature and exploring this great world of ours!

Time on the lake is a highlight, and I love to ski, both snow and water. I also love to travel to our national parks to hike, explore, adventure, and learn. Closer to home, I love to take walks, go fishing, practice yoga, and lose myself in books.

In the Community

In addition to fostering for Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, I treat Smiles Change Lives participants, give blood whenever I can, and volunteer for local school board committees. My family and the Valley Orthodontics practice also provide donations to many local organizations that serve and strengthen our community.

Helping one another is one of the most important things each of us can do: It all starts with local support and giving back to the communities we know and love!