Dr. Holena is native to the Wyoming Valley, having grown up in Bear Creek Twp. and now residing in Laflin. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Penn State University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. After dental school graduation, Dr. Holena completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.

During dental school, Dr. Holena was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, rare brain and spinal cord conditions. This led her find Column of Hope, a non-profit organization to fund and support brain and spinal cord research. In the summer of 2014, she was asked to join the Board of Directors.

Dr. Holena became interested in special needs dentistry while in dental school. She is a member of the Special Care Dental Association. She has attended several national conferences and did a case presentation in 2012.

When not working, Dr. Holena is most often training or competing with her “CoffeeDogs”, otherwise known as chocolate Labradors. She trains and competes in dock jumping, frisbees, agility, fly ball, and upland hunting.

Dr. Holena limits her practice to special needs patients (children and adults), children, and sedation dentistry.