Meet Our Team of Talented Staff and Care Providers

Dr. T.C. Hardy’s journey in dentistry began with a B.S. in Engineering from Tufts University, followed by a dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He then pursued Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, before returning to Tufts to complete his Certificate in Orthodontics. During his time at Tufts, he was also proud to serve as President of his graduating class. Over the years, Dr. Hardy has continued to grow in his field, and today is the owner of a thriving private orthodontic group practice. He has been awarded 5280 Top Dentist every year since 2018.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Hardy enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three kids, exploring the beauty of the Rockies, and trying out new restaurants.

A transplant from the East Coast, Dr. Addie Peterson grew up in a small town outside of Burlington, Vermont. She received her B.S. in Biology and Mathematics from St. Lawrence University in 2014 before moving to the Midwest for her dental training. While completing dental school at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Peterson discovered a desire to pursue orthodontics. After receiving her D.D.S. degree in May of 2019, she went on to the University of Iowa, where she earned her Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics in June of 2022.

When Dr. Peterson is not in the office she loves to spend her time doing almost anything outdoors. Canoeing, camping, skiing, hiking, fishing, and enjoying quality time with family and especially her chocolate lab Maple. She loves exploring Colorado’s amazing mountains and other outdoor treasures with her partner, and more recently she has started ultrarunning. On the rare rainy Colorado day you can find her in the kitchen making pasta or baking up a storm, or curling up with a good book and her crocheting.

Dr. Peterson is not just your orthodontic associate, but a friendly face in the community who understands the importance of both a confident smile and a vibrant, active life.

Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, where she graduated as valedictorian, Dr. Lukens has always had a passion for learning and service. During her residency, she earned both the NESO Resident Research Award and the NESO Cup for her research on LightForce brackets.

Outside of academics, she is a founding member of “Hogs for Hope,” supporting the Children’s Miracle Network, and has volunteered with several organizations. Dr. Lukens enjoys running half marathons, exploring new restaurants, watching documentaries, and playing board games like Settlers of Catan. Traveling and spending time with loved ones keeps her feeling grounded and inspired.

Dr. Mershon was born and raised in Colorado and attended both West and High Schools. He later moved to New Orleans to study at Loyola University, where he earned a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. After completing his undergraduate education, he returned to his home state of Colorado and began his career in the dental field. He worked at Colorado’s largest full-service dental laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in crown, bridge, denture, and implant fabrication.

As the son of a carpenter, Dr. Mershon learned from an early age how to build, repair, and work with his hands. Those practical skills proved invaluable in the dental laboratory setting. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for dentistry and orthodontics.

To expand his clinical experience before dental school, Dr. Mershon worked as an orthodontic assistant for Dr. Hilary Baskin. After being accepted into Marquette University School of Dentistry, he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to pursue his doctoral education. Upon earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, he was accepted into Marquette’s orthodontic residency program. Following completion of his orthodontic training, he enthusiastically returned to Denver in 2007 to once again work alongside Dr. Baskin.

Dr. Mershon is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, World Federation of Orthodontists, Colorado Dental Association, Metropolitan Denver Dental Society, and Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists. Passionate about education, he has shared his expertise in orthodontics through lectures and presentations for dental students, high school students, and children in local public schools.