At Wonderist, we put people first

As cliché as it sounds, we're not just another dental marketing agency. We're a tight-knit team of scrappy marketers who believe that real connections with people are the key to success. Our beautiful Point Loma office is more than just a place to work; it's a space where we come together to collaborate, innovate, and push the limits of what's possible for your practice.

Our Story

Wonderist Agency was started by Laura Maly at a kitchen table in Los Angeles as a small, one-woman marketing consulting group. Two years later, it got wings when Michael joined the team, and a full-service dental marketing agency was born. Since then, Wonderist Agency has been dedicated to providing data-driven results and personalized design in a marketing landscape that is all too often cookie cutter or old school. We’ve come a long way since the kitchen table, with an 8,000 square foot office in San Diego that serves clients all across the country.
laura maly
michael anderson
laura maly
michael anderson
laura maly
michael anderson and laura maly
laura maly

Wonderist's

Big moments

Wonderist Agency started with a $100 dollar bill at a kitchen table. We’ve come a long way since then.

2013

Wonderist Agency is founded by Laura Maly at a kitchen table with a $100 bill. Dr. Pako Major was her first client.

2014

Wonderist Agency becomes a full service agency when Michael Anderson and Laura Maly join forces. A new website is launched from Michael's couch in Milwaukee, but shortly after the company packs its bags and moves to Los Angeles.

2015

Wonderist Agency continues to grow from Michael and Laura's Los Angeles condo and by the end of 2015, headquarters moves to their San Diego condo, with high hopes of an office space in the new year.

2016

Wonderist Agency finds a home in their new office space in Point Loma, growing into additional space within their first 6 months. Wonderist also starts participating in podcasts and getting published, gaining spotlight and momentum.

2017

Wonderist Agency outgrows its old office and moves to its current space near Liberty Station. The team grows exponentially and culture is solidifying, along with direction, expectation and financial growth.

2018

Departments begin to form. Wonderist Agency forms industry partnerships that expedite growth and makes plans to expand its 4000 sq. ft. space to 8000 sq. ft. next door.

2020

Wonderist Agency stepped outside of its office, and into a virtual work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 and Beyond

Wonderist adopts a hybrid workplace model and continues to thrive by providing the best dental marketing with a smile.

the wonder buds

Meet our team of dental marketing experts

Dental marketing experts by day, surfers, jewelry makers, marathoners, parents, photographers, music junkies, food bloggers, and dancers by night. Our San Diego-based team runs on passion and purpose.

Our Founders

Co-Founder

After 10 years in the advertising world working on both agency and client sides (General Motors, Kohl’s Department Stores, Microsoft, and Sony Pictures) Laura took the jump into small business ownership in 2011. Since then she’s been having a ball helping dental practices find their marketing footing and educating her clients. Aside from her love of dental-land, you might find Laura hanging on the boat with Michael and the kiddos or drinking wine with the neighbors while talking about how she’s going to work out “later.”

Co-Founder

Michael’s passion for entrepreneurship landed him square in the middle of Milwaukee’s growing start-up community. Playing an active role on the local scene, he and Laura started laying the groundwork to grow Wonderist Agency. With artistic vision and a scrappy, jack-of-all-trades mindset, Michael has brought energy and strength to a great foundation. When Michael isn’t burning the midnight oil, you might find him working on his 1964 classic boat, fishing, rummaging through local antique stores, or enjoying a craft brew.

Wonderist Leadership

Chief Operating Officer

With his signature baseball hat and big smile, Matt draws on his Midwestern roots to lead with empathy and thrive on making genuine connections as our Chief Operating Officer. His superpower? Truly understanding each client's business objectives and leveraging his extensive growth strategy expertise to deliver actionable marketing game plans tailored for their success. Whether optimizing our internal operations to best support clients or guiding clients to achieve their goals, Matt brings strategic vision coupled with roll-up-your-sleeves leadership. When he's not collaborating with our team and clients, you'll likely find him out boating with his wife and two kids, water skiing, crabbing, or anything else involving the water!

Head of Web

Ryan’s love of solving problems with code started when he was 10 years old, building websites for fun not expecting anyone to see them. Creating websites as a hobby soon became a career after graduating with his master’s degree in communication. When he’s not in front of the computer, he’s out exploring his new San Diego home, drinking an IPA or checking out the stars. Another Buffalo, NY transplant, Ryan gave up the snowy polar vortex for sunny southern California.

Head of Social & Content

With her nasally, Chicago accent and her no-nonsense work ethic, this big shouldered broad has a passion for all things creative. You can most often find Mary throwing her two cents into web and design meetings, asking our SEO Manager countless questions, and quietly muttering lines of copy to herself as she whips websites, direct mailers and all things content into shape.

Director of Business Development

Forrest was born and raised in Point Loma, San Diego and made his return after spending seven years in between North Carolina and Chicago. When he’s not on the phone or creating tailored proposals for potential clients, Forrest loves to spend his time hitting nukes at his favorite golf course Torrey Pines or going to the beach. If you’re local to San Diego, you may even see him cruising his e-bike around town or into the office!

Director of Search

Spencer’s mission is to change the game when it comes to digital marketing. He believes in delivering advertising that is positive, compelling, and authentic. It's what he’s passionate about. When Spencer encounters a new challenge, he doesn’t view it as a problem. He sees it as an opportunity. An opportunity to raise the bar for himself, the team, and the marketing world as a whole. For Spencer, maintaining the status quo is simply not an option. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the Wonderist spirit. He can't wait to work with you.

Head of Design

The green thumb Graphic Designer here at Wonderist Agency! MJ has had more than eight years of experience in graphic design with a focus on branding. While receiving her Master’s degree in Biology with a focus in Conservation from Miami University, she hopes to find new and innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of design and marketing. In her spare time, you will find her tending to her backyard garden, beach-crashing in Ocean Beach, biking around Point Loma or volunteering at the San Diego Zoo.

Head of Photo & Video

Chris began his career in New York City as a Production Manager for live theatre productions, as well as television and film. After spending some years traveling the country for work, he eventually settled San Diego, CA. Chris brings 5+ years of videography experience to Wonderist. When not managing productions, you can find him exploring local breweries, taking pictures around town, and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Client Success Team Lead

Emma made her way to San Diego from Minneapolis, Minnesota in search of warmer weather and a future in marketing. Emma kick-started her career during her last semester at San Diego State University with an agency internship and quickly settled into account management after graduation. When she’s not hammering out emails or wooing clients with her Midwestern charm, you can find Emma Instagramming picture-perfect recipes and exploring nature with her 105-pound labrador mastiff, Brody. She loves pilates, traveling the world, perusing the aisles of Trader Joe’s and filling her coworkers in on the latest Bravo Real Housewives drama.

Head of Funnels & CRM

Cait got her start in marketing by using her “figure-it-out” mentality and running her own blog and online fashion boutique in her free time. When she’s not working, she spends all her time with friends at the beach, on boats, hiking, and exploring. She frequents Dog Beach with her pup, Jay, and listens to crime podcasts like it’s music.

Back End Web Developer

Wonderist Specialists

Culture & Office Manager

Another Midwesterner and proud Badger was added to the team when Sarah joined. After studying in Australia and living in Japan for a few years, she made her way back to WI to teach middle school. Snowmaggedon got the best of her solar powered self and sunny San Diego gained another transplant in 2014. After several years in the events industry, she’s ecstatic to be at Wonderist. Outside of “work”, Sarah can be found running with friends, cooking and eating, roadtripping, listening to live music and true crime podcasts, and spending QT with her wife and pup.

Partnerships Manager

Born and raised in Georgia, JoJo spent the first few years after college traveling around the country for a non-profit organization. It was through those adventures that she found a love for the west coast, San Diego in particular. In her downtime, JoJo can be found face-timing her niece and nephew, planning her next trip, and rooting for LeBron James anywhere that has the largest TV screen possible.

Business Development Manager

A Central California native, Garrett joined the Wonderist team in the early years initially to help design & build websites. He was then given the opportunity to grow their newly acquired, finance-focused marketing agency: Merger Labs. After three years of growing the agency, Garrett rejoined the Wonderist team to help with Business Development. Outside of work, Garrett likes to explore new restaurants, go to the park with his dog (Finn!), and is continuously searching for the best Old-Fashioned in SD County.

Senior Copywriter

If you thought there couldn’t possibly be another Wisconsinite at Wonderist, you haven’t met Elodie yet. This Milwaukee native joined the team initially as a Social Media Manager, sharing content from countless practices nationwide through photo and video storytelling. As her passion for writing grew within the role, she eventually dove into Copywriting full time, penning websites, blogs, direct mailers, and everything in between. When she's not re-reading countless lines of copy, you’ll find Elodie wiping out on her Costco surfboard or on the couch watching Mad Men for the ninth time in a row.

Senior Social Media Manager

Chi is a San Diego native who discovered her love for Social Media while working for a fashion brand in New York. She brings her passion, skill, and enthusiasm to her role as well as an eclectic sense of style. When she is not creating content, Chi can be found planning her next Music Festival outing, preparing for her Great British Bake Off debut, struggling to control her Harry Potter obsession, or getting rowdy at hockey games. Go Blackhawks!

Senior Project Manager

Mike is more than your typical jean-cuffed, craft-beer drinking, all-black-wearing dude. He's your go-to for anything and everything marketing. 13 years ago, Mike was fortunate enough to escape the Central Valley to study Interdisciplinary Computing & the Arts at UCSD. After finishing his degree, Mike pursued marketing and design. When he's not defeating divine beasts in Zelda, or snapping Instagram pics of his French Bulldogs A$AP Flaco & Fenty, you can find him riding his fixed-gear bike or sipping on cold brew at a hipster coffee shop in Downtown San Diego.

Business Operations Manager

A Wisconsin native, Davia moved to San Diego after enduring one too many Midwest winters and is grateful to call this beautiful city home! With a bachelor's degree from DePaul University in Chicago, Davia's background includes nonprofit work, digital marketing and media relations. Outside the office, Davia can be found snacking her way through the farmers market, soaking up the San Diego sun, obsessing over dogs or cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks!

Project Manager

Kaylee was born and raised in Northern California with a dream to move to Southern California one day. She obtained her B.A. in Public Relations at California Baptist University. During her last semester, she decided to make the leap and move to San Diego. Upon searching for jobs she came across Wonderist and instantly knew this is where she belonged. When she is not working , you can find her exploring her new city, finding the next best coffee shop, or spending time with friends and family.

Senior Project Manager

Originally from Buffalo, New York, where she earned her BA in Marketing at SUNY Buffalo, Laura traded in lake effect snow storms for the sunny skies of San Diego. Laura has extensive hands-on experience both in creating and managing digital marketing campaigns and content. An avid chips and guacamole eater, Laura also enjoys yoga, photography, cooking, hanging with her pup and camping trips. You can usually find her at a local farmers market or taking in an epic SoCal sunset.

Senior Web Designer

Nate grew up in Portland, Maine spending summers at the beach and winters on the mountains. After graduating from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire he bought an old RV (Maddy the Mobile Traveler) and with his two best they set out on what ended up being a 33-day road trip all around the US. Once landing in San Diego for the first time, Nate knew this was his next chapter. He went back to school at UCSD to become a graphic and web designer and eventually landed at Wonderist. When he’s not behind a computer screen you can catch Nate in the ocean either surfing or taking photos of the surf, playing basketball at a local court, watching the Celtics, or playing with his two cats Randall & Remy.

HR & Finance Specialist

With a bachelor's in urban forestry and longing for change and a challenge, Lucy switched gears and dove head-first into the business world with fervor. After moving from coast to coast and gaining experience in the business world, Lucy was eager to find where she would fit in. She found Wonderist after settling down in San Diego with her engineer husband, Sam and lab mix, Evie. Outside Wonderist, you’ll find this foodie in the kitchen, photographing her food, or making travel plans centered around good eats. Lucy is also lowkey obsessed with her dog, film cameras and film photography, and old fashioned needlepoint.

Client Success Manager

Born and raised in San Diego, Lauren says she’s having a hard time finding an excuse to leave. She graduated from UC San Diego as an International Business major and eventually found herself in the space of digital marketing for medical and wellness industries. In her free time you can catch Lauren at her second home, the yoga studio, teaching or taking a yoga class. She is a big foodie, willing to try lots of new dishes, and a huge animal lover as reflected in her camera roll filled with cute animal shots. Fun fact: She once scaled a small cliff and swam into the ocean in her jeans to save a seagull stuck in some eelgrass!

Client Success Manager

Gillian Duncan was a military brat growing up. Her Navy family bounced around from place to place till she decided to make roots in San Diego, CA. She decided to attend the University of San Diego, where you could find her every morning rowing on Mission Bay in the peak early hours. She spent four years majoring in Rowing and minoring in Communications. As a Division I rower, it took up the majority of her time, but all jokes aside, rowing also developed the most key characteristics that attracted her to the marketing industry - competitiveness, adaptability and being comfortable being uncomfortable.

Senior PPC Specialist

Born and raised in south Alabama, Anna decided to make the move to San Diego to attend school at Point Loma Nazarene University’s beautiful oceanfront campus. After receiving her degree, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the perfect Southern California weather and decided to stick around. As a senior PPC specialist, she has the chance to put her over-analytical mind to work. When she isn’t working on advertising campaigns, Anna spends most of her time driving her rescue pup, Oliver, to the dog park, staying active and exploring California.

Graphic Designer

Born and raised in Central California (who knew people actually lived there?) Lauren knew she would someday make the move to somewhere, ANYWHERE, that stayed under 100 degrees during the Summer - enter, San Diego. As a graphic designer, she helps our clients bring their brands to life; as a normal, everyday human, Lauren enjoys taking her long-haired dachshunds Apollo and Hercules, to the park, searching for the best martini in San Diego, and pretending to like the San Diego Padres (they’re her favorite football team).

Copywriter

Born in Albuquerque, NM, Elias grew up in various cities in Colorado before he called San Diego home. Always drawn towards the arts, he is an obsessive guitar player, an avid doodler, and an aspiring home cook. He loves the outdoors, visiting innovative restaurants, and the finer things in life, like cheesy 90’s action movies, Stephen King books, and Led Zeppelin. He received his bachelor’s of Literature & Writing Studies from CSU San Marcos. This copywriter now lives in Murrieta, CA, in the heart of Temecula Valley with his beautiful wife and their lovely new daughter.

Senior Social Media Manager

Natasha considers herself a global citizen as she was born in Singapore and grew up between California and Dubai. She calls the San Francisco Bay Area home and has always had a passion for social media (if there’s a social media app, she’s on it!) and enjoys all aspects of digital marketing. When she’s not busy scrolling on TikTok or perfecting her Instagram aesthetic, she enjoys photography, fashion, finding the best noodles in San Diego, hiking in Torrey Pines, and going to EDM concerts with friends.

PPC Specialist

Alex was born and raised in Washington State, and left to attend college in Phoenix, Arizona to proceed with her career in Marketing & Advertising. She attended Grand Canyon University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with an emphasis in graphic design. Before joining the Wonderist team Alex worked at a local advertising agency in Phoenix, which taught her a lot about the digital marketing world and how to help small businesses gain a platform online. In her free time Alex loves to go hiking, boating, snowboarding, traveling to new places, and spending time with family and friends.

Client Success Manager

Born in the Philippines, raised in San Diego, Paul has lived in all parts of San Diego and has enjoyed every minute of it. Raised in Chula Vista, went to college in North County (California State University San Marcos), and now lives in central San Diego. Paul spends his time learning how to get better at golf, spending time with his wife, and taking hot yoga classes. Paul is ecstatic to be part of the growing Wonderist team and is excited for the future!

Web Developer

J.D. was born and raised in San Diego, CA and has also lived in Oahu, Florida, The Bay Area, Washington and Texas. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Media Arts (Web Design & Development) and graduated with a perfect 4.0 gpa all throughout high school and college. His hobbies include: going to the beach, sunbathing, making smoothies, doing yoga, meditating, playing flag football, going to the gym, and of course, designing websites and building web apps.

Senior Web Developer

Jenn was born and raised in Northern California. After 9 years in Monterey, Jenn decided to move to San Diego, which has been the best life changing experience. Her love for all things web development and design started in her early teens, when she used to custom code her MySpace page. She graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay with a degree in Communication Design with an emphasis in Web Design. When Jenn isn’t working she loves to spend time at the beach, hanging out with her dog Reggie and exploring all the best restaurants.

Senior PPC Specialist

Ben grew up in rural Illinois and moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College, graduating with a BA in music business He spent time in concert production and radio before unearthing a passion for digital marketing and paid search. After working on campaigns and websites for a pool of clients in Illinois, he made the leap to California and landed at Wonderist. When he isn’t diving into ad accounts you can find him playing guitar, hiking, spending time with family, and almost always drinking too much coffee.

Project Manager

Born and raised in San Diego, Sean has recently moved to Boston, MA trading in late night tacos for lobster rolls and clam chowder. Sean was in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years and attended the Art Institute of San Diego, CA, where he earned a B.A. in Graphic & Web Design. In his spare time, you can find golfing at a local course or grabbing a beer with his dog Louie at a local pub.

SEO Specialist

Ally was born and raised in San Diego, and loved it so much she decided to never leave, not even for college, where she attended the University of San Diego and received her double major in International Business and Marketing. Ally loves traveling so much she studied abroad in Prague and spent months hopping around Europe- but her favorite country she’s visited is India. When she's not reading on the beach, Ally enjoys spending time at her favorite yoga studio, or driving into the desert or mountains to camp with her friends on the weekend.

Senior Client Success Manager

Originally from Texas, Kristin has spent the last eleven years wrapping up her education and launching her career. During her undergrad days at California State University San Marcos, Kristin developed her passion for brand strategy before achieving her B.S. in Marketing. She began evolving her foundational marketing experience in the travel/hospitality industry before craving an industry switch. After receiving her M.S. in Strategic Brand Communications from the University of Illinois, she landed a unique marketing role at a dental office. This experience paved her way right into the doors at Wonderist. When she’s not working, she loves spending quality time with her family at the beach or at a San Diego Padres game!

Funnels Specialist

Shelby was born and raised in Sacramento, California. She moved down to San Diego to attend San Diego State University, where she recently graduated with a degree in Marketing! You can always find her on Yelp discovering new restaurants, playing beach volleyball, binge watching a variety of reality TV shows, getting into spirited “NorCal vs. SoCal” debates, and building landing pages for dental implants of course! Shelby is looking forward to growing her career in Marketing at Wonderist.

PPC Specialist

Born and raised in San Diego. PPC has always been in his best interest as paid advertisement is always an ever-changing field. Making sure clients have a full understanding of their PPC service is very important to him as well as delivering the best results for conversions. In his spare time you can catch Jared playing board games with friends, modding Nerf blasters, or 3D printing cool things for his hobbies.

Senior Client Success Manager

Kelsey is one of the several midwesterners on the Wonderist squad and will forever be proud of her Michigan roots (Go Blue!). She’s been a competitive swimmer since age 10 and swam in college, while attending school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Post college she dove into the world of business, with a focus on brand development and marketing in the cosmetics industry and then moved on to agency style marketing and working with clients from a wide spectrum of different industries. In her free time she can be found running around Fiesta Island, fishing from the rocks at Mission Bay, eating tacos in North Park at City Tacos, and photographing couples.

Copywriter

Madison hails from Sacramento and pursued her English degree at San Jose State University, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Her desire to embrace more of California led her to San Diego – a place she had only visited twice! With a degree in English, Madison has always had an unwavering passion for crafting captivating narratives through words. This passion for storytelling is what fuels her excitement as she embarks on her journey on the copywriting team at Wonderist. In her free time, you can find Madison reading a good book, rewatching the Lord of the Rings, rooting for the Kings (light the beam!), or hanging out with her sassy dog, Suki.

SEO Specialist

Graphic Designer

Splitting her childhood between France and Martinique, Amandine grew up enjoying bustling cities and quiet sandy beaches alike. Living in a city no longer than a few years at a time, traveling was a necessity that became a passion. She set foot in the USA for the first time in 2015 to attend San Diego State University for a degree in Graphic Design and has been here ever since. She enjoys anything aesthetic, design, outdoors, traveling, and urban gardening. If she isn’t on Pinterest, she is chilling with her doggo, two cats, or two chickens … or all of them at once.

Project Manager

From a small town in Central California where you can wake up to the rooster’s crow and the weather is extra spicy, Brittany spontaneously packed up and moved down to the San Diego area. With no particular agenda other than to take in all that the city has to offer, and grow in her account management leadership, she found Wonderist! You’ll see this valley girl spending her weekends strolling through local farmers markets, sipping on some espresso, or lounging at the beach with a good book.

PPC Specialist

A Southern California native, Aidan was raised in the quaint suburbs of Temecula. As a kid Aidan grew up riding dirtbikes, skateboarding, and consistently hurting himself on anything that had wheels. After highschool he left the Golden State to play lacrosse at Indiana Tech and study for his BA in Computer Science. Aidan enjoys music, art and people watching. He can be found surfing at your local break, hiking in the Cleveland National Forest, or an inch from his computer screen writing code.

Senior Web Developer

Senior Client Success Manager

Allison was born and raised in Southern California. She loves working with local business owners because you get to spend your day helping to elevate their business, which in turn elevates their families and their communities. When she’s not combing through marketing metrics and talking to her clients, she enjoys spending time with her two kids Roland and Nadia and listening to her husband play music locally. She also has 3 dogs, 1 cat, and a pretty healthy love of coffee. Also...she likes food....lots and lots of food.

SEO Specialist

Daisy is a San Diego native who studied psychology at California State University San Marcos before venturing into web development and marketing. During this time she found her passion for SEO, realizing its potent ability to amplify digital presence. When she is not navigating the digital world, you can find her practicing yoga, enjoying time at the beach, or exploring the local food scene.

SEO Specialist

Sam is a San Diego native who loves everything about this beautiful city and refuses to leave! Though her love of the TV show Mad Men initially inspired her interest in marketing, while obtaining her B.S. in Marketing from SDSU, she knew she had found her calling. When she isn’t busy helping dentists rank higher on Google, she can be found listening to podcasts (recommendations welcome!), going on hikes in the local mountains, or driving her golf cart around Ocean Beach in search of the best fish taco!

PPC Specialist

Born and raised in San Diego, Michelle attended UC Riverside and graduated with a BS in Business Administration. She loved learning about the many facets of marketing (data-driven, creative, action-oriented) so it was no brainer for her to become involved in the ever-changing, spontaneous world of digital marketing. She is currently taking classes in digital marketing in hopes of bringing new value to the team. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys watching movies at drive-in theaters, baking scrumptious cakes & watercolor painting.

Project Manager

Karisa has always had a passion for making others smile and with a background of 13 years in dentistry we can attest this to be true. After finishing her degree at Cal State San Marcos in Art, Media and Design she was determined to find a career where she could combine her degree with her passion for dentistry. When she stumbled upon wonderist, she knew all her career dreams had come true. When she's not chatting it up with our dental teams you can find her snuggled up to her pup, drinking coffee, and reading the latest trending romance novel.

Business Development Manager

Graphic Designer

A Tahoe native, Grace moved to Bozeman, MT, to attend Montana State University where she graduated with a major in Fine Arts and a minor in powder skiing. Post-college, she worked as an in-house designer for a Tahoe-based marketing agency until the magnetic pull toward the ocean became unbearable. Now she’s happily settled in San Diego where she tidepools, surfs, rides her bike on the beach, and boasts of never missing a killer sunset. Grace loves graphic design and, though a self-proclaimed introvert, will gladly discuss Gestalt principles or color theory for as long as you care to listen.

Marketing Funnels Specialist

Client Success Manager

Wonderpups

Madison's pup

Amandine's pup

Lauren's pup

Sean's pup

Sarah's pup

Allison's pups

Allison's pup

Karisa's pup

Laura's pup

Lucy's pup

Jenn's pup

Ryan's nephew

Emma's pup

Laura & Michael's pup

Kelsey's pup

Garrett's pup

Mike's pups

wonderist team at annual celebratory dinner

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