Even though she lives in the Washington, D.C., suburbs, Annie Harris, RDH, lives a commuter’s dream. “I met Dr. Gordon Rye in 1998 at my first temp job in northern Virginia,” she recalls. “He offered me a job, but I declined because I was excited about working with my stepdad. In 2000, on a whim, I called about an ad in the Washington Post.
“Sure enough, Dr. Rye was indeed looking for a dental hygienist. At my interview, he told me that he had bought property on Warwick Ave. and planned to build a new office within the next two to three years. I told him I lived on Warwick Ave and he hired me. I have worked for him since 2000. Our state-of-the-art practice was completed in January 2004. I walk nine houses down my street to the doorstep of a great office.”
Although Annie and her husband Chris are “ignorant” about music, they encourage the drumming and guitar skills of Aidan, their oldest son.
“We love to travel and we love to enjoy concerts as a family. We try to follow the Dave Matthews Band around — it’s Aidan’s favorite. We even traveled to the Bahamas for a concert. My husband says I am obsessed — just an interest Aidan and I share.”
Before having kids, the couple owned a restaurant. “The name was Basil’s and it was a success,” she said. “It was where everyone in Fredericksburg spent their Friday family evenings. Great food and great atmosphere. Then we sold it because we had kids.”
You can view more details about the Fairfax, Va., dental practice at www.ryesmilesforlife.com.
Fairfax, Virginia
Met Spouse: In fifth grade
Spouse’s job: Chris is the corporate chef for US Food Services
Children: Aidan, 4, and Christopher, 1
University Attended: Old Dominion University
Family Band: Dave Matthews Band
Family Vacation Spot: Nags Head, N.C.
