This week's Bridgeport City Face is Dr. Kelley Heal-Ortiz. Meet her here: 

 

How long have you lived in Bridgeport? If not a lifelong resident, tell me what brought you here.

I grew up in Clarksburg but have lived in Bridgeport for almost 25 years. I always hoped to return to this area after dental school, because I wanted to practice with my father and give back to the community that gave so much to me and my family.

 

Are you married, have kids? Tell me about your family.

I met my husband, Mark Ortiz in dental school at West Virginia University. We have one son, Spencer who attended Heritage Christian School through 7^th Grade and then Bridgeport Middle School and High School. He is now a Junior at WVU studying Energy Land Management.

 

What about pets?

We have a thirteen-year-old silky terrier named Teddy that still acts like a puppy.

 

Where do you work and what do you do there?

My husband Mark and I began practicing dentistry thirty-one years ago. After graduation, we convinced my father, Dr. Richard Heal to join us in a new office and opened our practice in downtown Clarksburg.

 

What are your hobbies/favorite past times?

I love reading and watching mysteries, but with my free time during COVID, I returned to researching my family history and expanding the family tree from my father and grandfather’s original research.  

 

Favorite Bridgeport spot?

We love walking and enjoying the amenities at the Bridgeport City Parks.   

 

What do you like about Bridgeport … why is this a good place to live?

I am blessed to have Bridgeport neighbors that always rally around those in need, and I love the community spirit here. I am grateful to have worked with so many parents and volunteers for scout, school and sporting events and fundraisers.

 

One – or more – of your favorite memories of something that took place in Bridgeport ...

Most of my favorite memories that took place in Bridgeport, involved my son. We enjoyed when he and his fellow scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance, sang with the Heritage Christian School children during Light Up Night and then enjoyed the rest of events of the night. We were delighted to be asked to be involved with and to watch him during Bridgeport sports and travel teams, performances at Simpson Creek Baptist Church, and meetings, events and trips with Pack 39, Troop 40, Heritage Christian School and Bridgeport High School Band.

 

What is your favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport?

We have several favorite spots outside the area - one of which is Morgantown. We indulge in the multi-cultural food options in Morgantown and enjoy tailgating, attending WVU football and basketball games with friends, and getting to visit with Spencer. We frequently return to Mark’s hometown of Wheeling to visit with family and tour the area. We like touring West Virginia parks and tourist areas especially the Stonewall Resort Campground, the Lodge, and the Lake.

 

How about your favorite place outside of WV?

Like a lot of West Virginians, we like to travel to Myrtle Beach, but we also love camping in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smokey Mountains area. We hope to soon be able to visit Mark’s father in Juno Beach, Florida.

 

What are some of your favorite things?

My favorite thing is spending time with my family and travelling with family and friends. We love all things WVU especially watching WVU sports. Since we have not been able to attend games in person this year, we socially-distance watch with friends and enjoy virtual get-togethers with friends and family.  

 

Food/restaurant?

We are so lucky to have many locally owned restaurants in our area with a wide variety of tastes, from French to Italian to Irish food and from hotdogs to steaks to seafood, that it is difficult to pick just one as a favorite.

 

Favorite color?

My favorite color is purple and even had a purple bedroom with dark purple carpeting growing up.

 

Music genre/artist?

I have a diverse taste in music and grew up participating in choirs, especially church choirs. My mother Elaine Heal, was a pianist and organist, and we always had music in our home. I think my love for contemporary Christian music came from watching and listening to her practice and play at church and being her “page turner” when needed.

 

What is your best childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memories involve family get-togethers and family trips. Two of my favorite childhood memories were the week staying on a houseboat at the World’s Fair in Knoxville with my Dad’s family and the time spent with my Mom’s family in Hawaii.

 

Interesting fact about you and/or something you would like to add…

Even though I attended WI High School, I attended Bridgeport High School for a day as part of a Student Council Exchange Program.