Meet the Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

 

 

Melissa

Office Manager

I have been in the dental field for over 30 years. I started as a dental assistant originally, then moved to the front office, and am now the office manager. I handle all your financials and insurance claims for you.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, relaxing by my pool, and playing with my Shih Tzu Star.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? To be able to fix anything.
• Food you could eat for every single meal: I couldn’t, I like variety too much.
• Favorite movie: 'Ghost' 'Pretty Woman' and 'A Star is Born'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Driving, especially over bridges.
• What is your favorite holiday? Christmas!
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Shirley MacLaine
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? I’m an early bird Sunday through Thursday, but become a night owl Friday and Saturday!

 

Deborah

Treatment Coordinator

I have been in the dental field for 46 years, and have been in orthodontics for 43 years! I worked in the clinic for most of my career, but made the switch to treatment coordinator in 2018 and love it!

In my time off I love to craft, spend time with my cats and other fur babies, and spend time with my family.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Teleportation
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Baked potatoes
• Favorite movie: 'The Preachers Wife'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Avocado
• What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Lucille Ball
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird on work days, Night owl on days off!

Liz

Front Office

I joined the Beaches Orthodontics team in February 2018. You can find me doing a little bit of everything around here!

In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking, baking, and spending time with my husband and our families.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Invisibility
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Red bell peppers
• Favorite movie: 'American Beauty'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Shopping
• What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving! Cooking, seeing my family, hanging out with Megan, watching football and eating all day is my perfect day.
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? One of the Olsen twins
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird!

Emily

Scheduling Coordinator

I joined the Beaches Orthodontics team in Feburary of 2023 and previously worked at a medspa before deciding it was time for a career change.

Outside of the office I really enjoy baking and - in true Floridian fashion - love going on my friends boat year round.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be?  Fly
• Food you could eat for every single meal:  Seafood
• Favorite movie: 'Clueless'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Pumpkin
• What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you?  Vanessa Hudgens
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night owl for sure.

 

Michelle

Assistant

I have been in dentistry for 23 years, but made the move to orthodontics in 2018 when I moved from Georgia to Jacksonville and started at Beaches Orthodontics.

I am married with three beautiful kids and am very close to all of my family! In my spare time, I love to watch Georiga Bulldogs Football, craft and spend time with my family.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Flying so I can go anywhere at anytime. 
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Mexican food! So many options.
• Favorite movie: 'Pitch Perfect'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Mushrooms
• What is your favorite holiday? Christmas. It’s amazing to see my children get into the holiday spirit.
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Melissa McCarthy
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night owl

---

 

Megan

Assistant

I’m originally from Iowa and moved to Florida in 2017. I love to make every day as fun as possible and you can usually find me laughing. I have been in orthodontics since 2019 and I cannot imagine doing anything else! I love working with Dr. Patel and our whole team.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be?  Time travel.
• Food you could eat for every single meal:  Chicken nuggies and black olives.
• Favorite movie: I'm not a big movie watcher, but I LOVE watching documentaries about different civilizations!
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Cilantro and Will Ferrell
• What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving with Liz and her family.
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you?  Jenni Farley - JWow from Jersey Shore - only because I get told we look a lot alike.
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Neither, I'm a mid-day bear according to the Circadian rythym test I took.

---

 

 

Britney

Assistant

I have been in the dental field since 2020 and started specializing in 2022. I started with Beaches Orthodontics in May of 2023 and have loved being a part of the team! When I'm not at the office I try to get as much quality time in with my family as possible.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? To be invisible
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Pasta or steak, I can't choose just one!
• Favorite movie: 'The Proposal'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Lemonade
• What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? I don't know!
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? A bit of both.

Destiny

Assistant

I became part of the Beaches Orthodontics team in October 2023, but I have been an orthodontic assistant since 2020. In my off time I like to spend time with my family.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Flying
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Chinese
• Favorite movie: Don't have one
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Hocus Pocus
• What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? I can't think of anyone
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night owl!

Dani

Assistant

Bio coming soon!

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? 
• Food you could eat for every single meal: 
• Favorite movie:
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? 
• What is your favorite holiday? 
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you?  Penelope Cruz
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? 

---

 

Hannah

Assistant

I have been in the dental field since 2022. I was searching for the perfect office to call home and Beaches Orthodontics fits every criteria! When not at work I love to enjoy the Florida weather outside, hang out with my kids and spend time at my church.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Telepathy
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Steak and Ceasar salad
• Favorite movie: 'Charlie St. Cloud' or 'Think Like a Man'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Onions!
• What is your favorite holiday? 4th of July!
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Alexa Demie
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night Owl!

---

 

Mariah

Sterilization Tech

I joined Beaches Orthodontics in 2024. I have previously worked in opthamology and was ready for a new challenge. When I'm not at the office I enjoy spending time with my daughter at the park or anything outside.

• If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Telekinesis
• Food you could eat for every single meal: Hot wings
• Favorite movie: 'Scream'
• What do you hate that everyone else loves? Peanut butter
• What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
• In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Kat Dennings
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? I can be either, depending on what is needed that day.

---