Previously featured in Stroll Manlius in December 2021, Tom and Carolyn Dragon have had some major life updates that they are excited to share!  Since the initial article, they have added two boys to the family-friendly Spruce Ridge neighborhood in Manlius:  3-year-old Owen and 3-month-old Weston.  Owen is most thankful that he gets to experience two garbage days each week – the Manlius-side Friday trash pick-up and the Pompey-side Monday trash pick-up – and he apologies for the early morning honks that he gets from the truck drivers as they pass him! Wes appreciates the new paving that makes his stroller feel like it’s gliding on air!  For fun, the Dragons love going for hikes at Green Lakes and Highland Forest (no matter the weather!), eating at Diwan in Manlius, and visiting the splash pad at Verona Beach.  

Tom continues to work-from-home for Otis Worldwide, and he finds that the commute from upstairs to downstairs works well with the chaos of going from one child to two children.  In 2021 Carolyn proudly accepted the torch from Dr. David Konys and took ownership of the orthodontic office that he started in Manlius.  Practicing orthodontics is a true joy for Carolyn, and treating families in Manlius and the surrounding areas is such an honor. While planning coverage for her most recent maternity leave, Carolyn made the happy acquaintance of Dr. Lauren Vitkus, fellow orthodontist and native of this area, and owner of Sirius Orthodontics.  What started as a prime example of moms helping moms turned into a broader conversation on practice philosophy, care delivery systems, and the beauty of teamwork.  It wasn’t long before Carolyn and Lauren realized their common goals could best be achieved together, and thus, the Manlius location of Sirius Orthodontics was born a few months before Wes was!

Though Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed her time as a solo practitioner, group practice had always been a dream of Carolyn’s. Connecting with Lauren re-awakened Carolyn’s desire for all that group practice has to offer, namely professional comradery, learning new and different perspectives, and the ability to offer more availability to patients. The team-approach to orthodontic care is part of the foundation of their practice, and together they can ensure you and your family are receiving the best care possible. Sirius Orthodontics now has four female doctors who share this common goal. Between the four of them, the doctors have seven kids and a firm understanding of what it means to raise a family in this area!

The name Sirius Orthodontics is rooted in its meaning.  Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, and the mission is simple:  to create healthy, beaming smiles and be a bright part in every patient’s day.  Carolyn and Lauren welcome you to come visit them and would be honored to help you and your family on your smile journey!