Finding Community
Welcome to Traverse City and the Norte community, Dr. Madelyn and Tom Stumpos.
The couple moved here in early summer to pursue dentistry careers and live where they could get outside and bike. They've already committed to giving back and helping Norte widen its impact.
"We moved here in the summer and started practicing in August," said Madelyn (Dr. Maddy). She purchased Bergsma Orthodontics and is in the transition of changing the name to Traverse City Orthodontics. "It's been great. It was such a warm welcome to the community."
After completing school in Portland, Oregon, she and her husband were most recently living in Golden, Colorado. In both places, getting out on the bike was a big part of their lives. "Portland was a fun place to live, and I biked to school every day," she said.
They both expanded their biking outings in Colorado when they signed up for the 118-mile Triple Bypass ride. A breathtaking ride from Evergreen to Vail Valley, Colorado.
“ I ask them if they like it, and they always say, ‘it’s awesome!’”
"Tom has always been into biking and wanted to sign up for the Triple Bypass," she said. "When he committed, I knew he would be spending a lot of time training for the ride, so I said, 'let's do it together.' I got a road bike and got more into cycling. It has become a big part of our lives."
Long car commutes and the pull of family set their sights on returning to Michigan. "We both ended up missing home," she said. "And we wanted to be in the most beautiful place we could find. Luckily Sara's practice came up for sale, and the stars aligned."
Dr. Bergsma's office also came with a very orange Norte bike rack and an introduction to Norte's programs. "Sara told us about Norte," said Dr. Maddy. "We then met Wes, went to the Business Champion Happy hour, and liked the mission — so we signed up."
"We have so many kids who come in (as patients) wearing their Norte t-shirts. I ask them if they like it, and they always say, ‘it's awesome!’"
Dr. Maddy says it's crucial for her to choose something to get more involved with — both as a donor and volunteer — rather than joining too many things.
"It's cool to get kids riding around the city, learning the rules, and anything you can do to get them outside," she said. "That's also why we chose Traverse City. It has that outdoor emphasis. People like to spend time in the community, outside, and staying active. So that drew us in."
"I'm excited to get involved with Norte, and I know my husband would be a great coach and volunteer. We'll help wherever we're needed."
Dr. Maddy signed Traverse City Orthodontics up as a Dynamo Business Champion. As they transition, you can find her at Bergsma Orthodontics and park in style right by the door if you bike there.
Welcome to northern Michigan, Dr. Maddy and Tom!
