Federal Way Public Schools Graduates of Note

Nadine (Johnson) Egger

Orthodontist, Owner of Egger Orthodontics

Named "Top Dentist for 2009" by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine readers

Thomas Jefferson High School
Graduate, Class of 1981

There was a time when doubters told Nadine Egger that she would never succeed, but she didn't listen.

Egger, a 1981 Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, is now a successful orthodontist with her own practice in Issaquah.  She struggled with dyslexia throughout her school years and although she had difficulty in most subjects, she excelled in math and science. 

Egger attended Mark Twain Elementary and Kilo Junior High prior to going to Thomas Jefferson. As a young student at with marginal grades, Egger imagined that she would get married and start a family after high school. "My dad encouraged me to go to the counselors and get advice on attending college, since I had no marriage proposals pending," Egger said.

Egger was accepted into the University of Puget Sound, but later transferred to Pepperdine University. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Science from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1988, and her certificate of proficiency in orthodontics and Masters in Science from the University of Washington Orthodontic School in 1992.

As a student at Thomas Jefferson, Egger was voted "most inspirational" her senior year.  She played girls basketball for three years and fondly recalls hanging out with friends and attending Raiders sporting events. 

Sam Mitchell, a biology teacher and girls basketball coach, stands out in Egger's mind as one of her favorite teachers.  "He was a great teacher, loved what he was teaching and had a ton of animals in formaldehyde.  I always was so interested in his collection," Egger said.  "As a girls basketball coach he must have liked supporting girls and their growth.  When I joined the team I had never played before. He so loved basketball that it became a highlight of high school for me."

These days Egger is the proud mother of three children: Emmett, Grace and Hunter.  She has been married to her husband Phillip since 1991.  Her practice, Egger Orthodontics in Issaquah, was rated by Seattle Metropolitan magazine as "Top Dentist for 2009."  The practice has also been recognized by 425 Magazine for "Doctors Making a Difference."

Egger encourages students to be persistent in their education.  "You can do anything you set your mind to," she said.  "It may be a long effort and your path may change or get delayed along the way.  If you do not have a path just get on one.  Go have a lot of experiences in different professions and parts of the USA and World and doors will open. As you get more experience and exposure you will find your way."