Meet The Team in Harlan, Iowa

The dentists and staff behind over 35 years of dental care in Harlan. A team that knows your name, your history, and your goals.

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(712) 755-5342

Meet Our Team

The people who shape every visit

Dr. Roy Burkhalter, DDS

Dr. Burkhalter is the owner of Markham Family Dental Associates, grew up in Rome, Georgia and served 15 months in Iraq before pursuing a career in dentistry. He attended Kansas State University for his undergraduate studies, then the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry for his DDS. Following dental school, he completed an Oral Surgery Fellowship at UNMC, where he trained in implant placement, bone grafting, IV moderate sedation, and biopsy services.

He serves as the practice's lead dentist and primary oral surgery provider, and continues as an adjunct instructor at UNMC. Dr. Burkhalter is an instructor at Foundational Implant Training (FIT) where he leads on-hands instruction and lectures to the future providers worldwide in advanced dental implants, bone grafts, and soft tissue surgeries. Outside the office, he is married to Samantha and has three children: Eva, Cooper, and Landon.

DDS, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry

Oral Surgery Fellowship, UNMC — implants, bone grafting, IV sedation, biopsy

Adjunct Faculty, UNMC College of Dentistry

Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)

Member, Academy of General Dentistry and Iowa Dental Association

Advanced training in full-arch restoration and guided implant surgery

Dr. Emma Ahrenholtz, DDS

Dr. Ahrenholtz grew up on a farm outside Defiance, Iowa and attended Harlan Community Schools. She went on to Iowa State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology in 2020, then enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, graduating in 2025. Joining Markham Family Dental Associates brought her back to the community she grew up near.

She is focused on comprehensive general and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages and is passionate about building long-term relationships with the patients and families she serves. Outside the office, she enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

DDS, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, 2025

BS in Kinesiology, Iowa State University, 2020

Harlan Community Schools graduate

General and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages

Member, Iowa Dental Association

Dr. Phillip Markham, DDS

Dr. Markham was born and raised in Harlan, Iowa. He attended Creighton University and received his Bachelor of Science in 1984, followed by his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1988. After practicing in Cody, Wyoming, and Perry, Iowa, he returned to Harlan and co-founded Markham Family Dental Associates in 1990. He sold the practice to Dr. Burkhalter in February 2025 and continues to practice alongside the team he built.

Over 35 years, Dr. Markham served the Harlan community far beyond the dental chair. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Shelby County Board of Health for over 30 years, the Knights of Columbus, and the Harlan Volunteer Fire Department. He is a member of the Iowa Dental Association and has held every district office in the Southwest District.

DDS, Creighton University, 1988

Founded Markham Family Dental Associates in Harlan, 1990

35 years of service to the Harlan and Shelby County community

Member, Iowa Dental Association and Southwest Iowa District Dental Society

Former Shelby County Board of Health member, 30+ years

Nichole Fromm

Office Manager

Nichole has been part of the front desk team at Markham Family Dental since 2022. She enjoys getting to know patients and helping create a smooth, friendly experience from the moment they walk through the door. Originally from Pennsylvania, Nichole moved to Iowa in 2013 and now lives in Avoca with her husband, Forrest, and their two dogs, Mya and Tye. On her free time she enjoys doing crafts, thrifting and binge watching her favorite TV shows.

Katie Farver

Hygienist

Katie graduated from Iowa Central Community College in 2015. She has been with Markham Family Dental since 2017. Katie is passionate about helping others maintain healthy, confident smiles. She is married and has two kids. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping and watching sports-GBR!

Ana Mages

Hygienist

Hi, I’m Ana. I was born and raised in Harlan, Iowa, and feel fortunate to serve the community I’ve always called home. I graduated from dental hygiene school in 2018 and enjoy building relationships with patients while helping them feel comfortable and confident in their oral health.

I’m married and have two children, along with a few beloved pets that keep life busy and fun. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I’m proud to be part of the team at Markham Family Dental and look forward to caring for the smiles of this wonderful community

Natalie Sullivan

Hygienist

Bio coming soon!

Chantel Lytle

Front Office

Chantel Lytle is proud to call Harlan, Iowa home, where her small-town roots helped shape her strong work ethic, positive outlook, and commitment to the people around her. Known for her reliability and down-to-earth personality, Chantel brings both professionalism and a sense of humor to everything she does.

Outside of work, Chantel’s greatest role is being a mother to her two boys, who keep life busy, fun, and full of adventure. She shares her life with her longtime fiancé, Jesse Andersen, and together they enjoy building a life centered around family, laughter, and making memories.

With a blend of dedication, warmth, and a fun-loving spirit, Chantel believes in working hard, supporting those she cares about, and never forgetting to enjoy the journey along the way!

Paula Kenkel

Front Office

Originally from Nebraska, I deeply value the time I spend with my family. I have three children and love supporting my nine amazing grandchildren—seven girls and two boys—in their many school activities. Outside of family, I stay active and involved as a volleyball referee, a role that brings me great joy and keeps me connected to a sport I love. I’ve been with the office for 10 years, serving as Office Manager for the past 7.And of course, I’m a lifelong Huskers fan – GO BIG RED!

Tristin Frame

Dental Assistant

Tristin grew up in Walnut, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa Western Community College in 2022. She began her dental assisting career at Markham Family Dental Associates shortly after graduation. In her free time, Tristin enjoys baking, cooking, and spending quality time with her dog and family.

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Madison Kelly

Dental Assistant

Madison grew up in Griswold Iowa and graduated from Iowa Western Dental Assisting in 2019 and started working at Markham Dental in 2020. Madison got married in May of 2025 to her husband Broghan and are expecting a baby girl in April of 2026. In her free time Madison enjoys watching all things Iowa Hawkeyes and hanging out with her family.

Jody Mahlberg

Dental Assistant

Ana has been working in the dental field for over 20 years specializing in dental insurance. She has resided in Dana Point for over 20 years. In her spare time she enjoys staying fit, travelling, and spending time with her husband and Yorkshire Terrier.

Tamie Madsen

Dental Assistant

I am Tamie Madsen and have been a dental assistant for 33 years. I truly love my coworkers and patients, they make doing this not feel like a job but like spending time with family. I am married and have a stepson and 3 spoiled fur babies. We love spending our summers boating and enjoying the sun. I absolutely despise winter!! My other passion is baking. My twin sister and I have an in home bakery business that occupies the rest of my time.