About Us

John Kumar is a pre-dental student in the Honors College at East Carolina University who discovered a deep passion for oral health after studying the powerful impact it has on the entire body. Born and raised in Bath, England, he has spent the past five years in Eastern NC, an area he now proudly calls home. John plans to stay long-term and give back to the community that has invested so much in him, both personally and academically.

Outside of the classroom, John is deeply involved in service and community life. He loves to sing and play the piano, serving regularly in both worship and kids ministry at Faith Assembly Church. In his free time, you'll likely find him playing pickleball, volunteering at ECU Health, shadowing at local practices or working at a restaurant called the Seahorse.

Driven by a desire to serve others and improve access to oral health, John is passionate about building MINTSTRIDE into something that creates real, lasting impact for communities that need it most.

Riley Burnham is a lifelong resident of Greenville, North Carolina, and a current pre-dental student in the Honors College at East Carolina University. Growing up in Greenville has shaped Riley's commitment to serving local and rural communities, especially in the area of dental health. Through experiences in clinics, mission trips, and community outreach, Riley has developed a strong interest in expanding access to oral healthcare and education for families who may face barriers to consistent care.

Beyond academics, Riley's life is shaped by service, relationships, and a growing love for dentistry. She spends many afternoons shadowing some of her favorite dentists, asking questions, observing procedures, and gaining a clearer picture of what compassionate care looks like in practice. Riley also makes time to stay active through sports and to unwind with her dog, Copper.

Alongside these everyday rhythms, Riley is building MINTSTRIDE as a way to offer practical dental education and support to families and children, with the hope of making oral health feel more accessible and welcoming for every community it reaches.