Meet Our Team

Dr. Frank Russomanno has lived in Minnesota for the majority of his life. He grew up in Bloomington and Eagan and now lives in Rosemount with his two children, Michael and Amanda. In 1993, Dr. Russomanno graduated cum laude from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in natural sciences. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and graduated with honors, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1999.

Since graduating school, Dr. Russomanno has dedicated himself to his continuing education. He is a lifelong student of dentistry and believes we never stop improving our skills or expanding our knowledge. Currently, Dr. Russomanno is a member of the following professional organizations:

• American Dental Association®
• Minnesota Dental Association
• Bloomington Study Club
• Dakota Valley Study Club
• Southwest Implant Study Club

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Russomanno finds his greatest enjoyment is being a father and spending time with his children. His children are undoubtedly his highest priority in life. In his spare time you can find Dr. Russomanno playing basketball, collecting baseball cards, on the golf course, or taking care of his aquarium and fishpond. He also has special interests in archeology, great white sharks, history and politics.

Dr. Neil Keane earned his Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in 2002. He then attended dental school at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Keane is committed to continuing his education, so he takes courses twice a month. Our dentist’s goal is to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in a comfortable environment. He strives to help patients meet their oral health needs and feel confident with their smiles. Dr. Keane is a member of the following professional organizations:

• American Dental Association®
• Minnesota Dental Association
• Academy of General Dentistry
• Spear Study Club
• Bloomington Study Club

Dr. Keane and his wife Sara have three young children: JP, Ella and Everrett. When not in the office, Dr. Keane enjoys skiing, listening to music, spending time with his kids and fixing up his house.

Dr. Jason Pendleton, originally from Superior, WI received his DDS from Marquette University and completed a residency at the University of Iowa Hospital where he met his wife Katie. They married in 2015 and have 2 children Vivian 4yrs old and Grant 2yrs old. Katie is a physician with the University of Minnesota and is originally from Cottage Grove, MN. They share a passion for cheering on the Vikings, Wild and Twins.

“I enjoy treating patients of all ages with compassion while delivering superior patient care. I take pride in building connections with patients while guiding them to making informed decisions. I push myself and our team in staying up to date on the latest in dental technology and advancement in dental care.”

Zoey joined our practice in August of 2022 at the front desk. Zoey, in her own words “I enjoy working with great staff but also being a part of the patient’s journey to a happy and healthy smile. I’m currently working on my degree at the U of M Minnesota. I have a twin sister who is currently playing soccer at UW Madison and a younger brother who is playing Basketball at Augsburg. During my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends/family, shopping, and going to my cabin over the summer.

Claire joined our practice in August 2023. Graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in 2021 with an associate in applied science in dental hygiene. A bit about Claire in her own words, “I enjoy the flexible and friendly atmosphere that each office I work in is able to create. I contribute to the success of our practices to each individual who works together there to provide a stellar patient experience and high standard of care. . I enjoy video games, boating, and playing the violin.”

I joined our practice in March 2022. I graduated from Minnesota School of Business with an associate in applied science degree in health and exercise sciences. I worked in the health care field for 22 years prior to my career change in the dental field. My background includes front desk management, workflow analysis, staff education and development. I am passionate about caring for others and having a positive uplifting approach to those around me. The things I enjoy most in my free time are exercise, being outdoors any time, I am able, spending time with family and friends, crafting, decorating, and traveling.

Meet Michael, our dental float with a passion for dentistry. Currently working towards becoming a dentist, he believes one of the best parts about being a dental float is gaining invaluable experience when working side-by-side with the Amber Leaf team and connecting with patients, creating a positive experience for all of our patients. Beyond the dental clinic, Michael enjoys solo backpacking, photography, skiing, and listening to music.

Sam is the Business Manager at Amber Leaf. He attended the University of Minnesota and left college early for a career in professional basketball where he played for the L.A. Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. He also played basketball for several years in Europe while living in Greece, Italy, and France. In 2007, Sam retired from basketball and returned to Carlson School of Management to complete his finance degree through the University of Minnesota. He enjoys being part of the Amber Leaf Family Dental team because of how well the team supports each other and cares about their patients. When Sam is not working, he is either spending time with his wife and three children, or meditating by completing improvement projects around the home.

Dental Hygienist, embarked on her professional journey in 2000, later earning her bachelor degree through Minnesota State University- Mankato in 2017. Nikki loves networking with and mentoring other dental professionals and has helped to grow the largest social dental network, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in healthcare. What Nikki appreciates most about our practice is the camaraderie within the team, the flexibility offered, and the diverse range of experiences it provides.

Nikki is not just a healthcare professional; she is a cornerstone of our practice’s success. Her approach centers on making every patient feel valued, treating them as if they were her own family. This personalized care fosters a positive (and oftentimes silly) atmosphere, contributing significantly to the practice’s thriving environment.

Outside of her professional life, Nikki finds joy in her family, including her husband and two daughters—both sophomores, one in college and the other in high school. When not attending to patients, she immerses herself in hobbies such as live music events, watching and rewatching her favorite movies, and indulging in outdoor activities like paddle boarding, hiking, and cabin time. Nikki’s life is further enriched by her two dogs, Moose and Stella!

Nikki started with the practice a little over 2 years ago. In Nikki’s words – “I enjoy the variety that dental assisting provides. This industry is ever so changing, and it is exciting to see and be a part of the progression. Patient care is very important to me and being a part of a team that is flexible and growing makes for a good day.”