Meet the Team - Beaches Orthodontics

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 almost 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 two Shih Tzus.

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: Tie between “Pretty Woman” and “Ghost”
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 more than 40 years, and have been in orthodontics for almost that long! I worked in the clinic for most of my career, but recently made the switch to treatment coordinator and love it!

In my time off, I like to hang out with my husband, son, and stepdaughter as much as possible.

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? To love more than anyone could possibly love.
Food you could eat for every single meal: Salad
Favorite movie: “The Equalizer” — it’s the best when the good guy wins!
What do you hate that everyone else loves? Guacamole, yuck!
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas and all the joy it brings.
In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Lucille Ball
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird, tweet tweet!

Liz

Scheduling Coordinator

I joined the Beaches Orthodontics team in February 2018. I am the scheduling coordinator by title, but I do everything from tech support to marketing to school outreach programs. I love my job because no two days are ever the same!

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

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Invisibility
Food you could eat for every single meal: Bell peppers. I eat them raw like apples and everyone thinks it’s strange.
Favorite movie: “American Beauty”
What do you hate that everyone else loves? Music festivals. They are way too crowded and loud for my taste.
What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving! Cooking, seeing my family, 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!

Michelle

Assistant

I have been in dentistry for more than 15 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 arts and crafts!

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? The ability to fly
Food you could eat for every single meal: Mexican food! So many options.
Favorite movie: “Beauty and the Beast” and “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 for a year now 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? Teleportation so I could visit my friends and family whenever I want.
Food you could eat for every single meal: Pizza, of course!
Favorite movie: I love too many to choose one.
What do you hate that everyone else loves? Cilantro and pico de gallo, which is in fact not an herb.
What is your favorite holiday? Tie between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.
In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Jennifer Lawrence
Are you an early bird or a night owl? I’m more of a night owl, but I can adapt to being an early bird when necessary.

Magda

Assistant

I was born and raised in Poland and at the age of 22 I moved to Chicago where I met my husband and started my dental assisting career. Cold winters brought us down to Florida, and shortly after moving down I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Patel and joining the Beaches Orthodontics team! I love being able to help create beautiful smiles and getting to see the final results with the patients brings me the most joy. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach and exploring the Sunshine State.

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Teleportation! Then I could visit my family and friends in Poland and Chicago whenever I want.
Food you could eat for every single meal: Pasta, mushrooms and watermelon, but not all together.
Favorite movie: "Christmas Vacation" and "50 First Dates", are my top two! I love comedies and romantic movies.
What do you hate that everyone else loves? I’m not a big fan of Harry Potter.
What is your favorite holiday? Easter and Christmas, I love all the traditional Polish food that we cook for both!
In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Reese Witherspoon
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird!

Cammi

Assistant

I’ve been in dentistry for a year and I just recently joined Beaches Ortho! I love working chair side with Dr. Patel and all of my co-workers are amazing. Our team is the most fun you can find and there is never a dull moment. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my dogs and modeling.

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? To heal myself and other immediately.
Food you could eat for every single meal: Chick-Fil-A without a doubt.
Favorite movie: “The Notebook” I'm a secret romantic.
What do you hate that everyone else loves? Winter! I cannot stand being cold.
What is your favorite holiday? New Years Eve, the fireworks are my favorite.
In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Kim Kardashian
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night owl

Josie

Assistant

I started my dental assistant career in Philadelphia back in 2002. I love getting to work at Beaches Orthodontics and enjoy the Florida weather now! In my free time I love spending time with my kids and family at the beach, going on bike rides around the neighborhood and traveling to new destinations.

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Invisibility
Food you could eat for every single meal: Fried Chicken! I could just eat it every single day!
Favorite movie: “Weird Science”
What do you hate that everyone else loves? Peanut butter! I'm allergic to it.
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
In the story of your life, which celebrity would play you? Tia Carrere
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night Owl!