Dr. Espe, a life-long Minnesotan, attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, for her undergraduate degree. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota in 2007 where she was also accepted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Espe received her Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 2009.

Dr. Espe is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Minnesota Dental Association, and the Minnesota Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Espe grew up in Edina, graduating from Edina High School in 1997. She and her husband, Karl, live in Edina with their three children. In her free time, Dr. Espe enjoys rollerblading around the lakes, knitting, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.