HER  Jennifer Woods

Where did you grow up: Conway since I was 3 years old.

Education: Bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Central Arkansas; and a doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

Job: General dentist at Centerstone Dental Center, near UCA.  

Why did you choose your vocation: At a young age, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field somewhere, but didn’t actually decide on dentistry until I was in college. During my freshman year, I job shadowed various medical professionals, one of which happened to be the original dentist at Centerstone Family Dental. I loved how much she got to interact with patients of all ages and help them get back to better dental health, and also make them feel more confident with their smile. I think it’s special that the exact office I decided upon dentistry as a career is where I ended up getting to work!

New Year’s resolution: Get back into running.

Parents: Robert and Debbie Brown of Tulsa.

Hobbies/special interests: Reading, working out at Glover Fitness, traveling, shopping and activities with our dogs.

What is one thing people don’t know about you: I was born in Canada, and have dual citizenship. 

What is your motto: Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

What do you enjoy most about living in the 501: It’s just home! Both Matt and I only ever left Conway to go to dental school, and we returned as soon as we could. The community here is so friendly and welcoming, and I love how it has continued to grow and expand with new activities and restaurants.

HIM  Matthew Woods

Where did you grow up: I was born and raised in Conway. 

Education: Bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Central Arkansas; and a doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

Job: General dentist at East Oak Dental Center.

Why did you choose your vocation: Growing up, I always had a good relationship with my dentist and enjoyed my visits, which were probably a little too frequent due to my love for chocolate. I was always intrigued by the procedures he did and after job shadowing for a class in middle school, I decided to pursue a career in dentistry and never changed my mind. 

New Year’s resolution: I would like to get more involved in the community. 

Parents: Jim and Carol Woods of Conway.

Hobbies/special interests: I enjoy anything outdoors but my passion is duck and deer hunting. I have also recently gotten into cycling and am trying to get back into running, which was a long lost hobby. I love going to see movies with my wife but also really enjoy lazy Redbox nights. 

What is one thing people don’t know about you: I was the 1996 Toad Suck Daze Mr. Tadpole. 

What is your motto: “There are no insignificant or ordinary jobs when they’re performed by significant and extraordinary people.” – The Fred Factor book 

What do you enjoy most about living in the 501: The 501 is home to many favorite people and places, including some of my favorite hunting and fishing spots. I can’t see myself living anywhere but here, and think it’s the best area to raise a family.

THEM

City: Conway.

What’s it like working in the same profession: We have many close friends in the dental profession, but there’s nobody we can talk about concerns or interesting cases with like we can with each other. Although we don’t constantly talk dentistry when we aren’t in the office, it is nice having someone so close who can understand everything you’re saying and bounce ideas off.

How we met: Although we went to the same high school, we didn’t meet until college. We met through mutual friends.

The proposal: Matt woke up early to pick daffodils out of his grandparents’ garden. He then arranged the daffodils on a large boulder on Greers Ferry Lake with one daffodil in the center that held the ring. He persauded Jennifer to go fishing with him, and led her out to the boulder where the flowers were arranged and got down on one knee.  

Wedding bells: May 13, 2017, at Trapnall Hall in Little Rock.

Pets: We have two dogs, Greer and Zoey. Greer was adopted from the Humane Society of Memphis. His favorite hobby is patrolling the borders of his backyard. Zoey was adopted from Out of the Woods Animal Rescue and her favorite hobby is playing fetch.