Michelle Sears

Director of Operations

Education:
Master of Science (MS) in Human Nutrition – Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Art (BA) in Psychology – Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC
Dietetic Internship – Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA
Fundamentals of Dental Assisting – University of Florida

Credentials/Certifications:
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Current home: Cookeville, TN
Favorite food: Anything with peanut butter!
Favorite dessert: Peanut butter pie!
Favorite Movie: the new Aladdin, I just saw it with my dad, still a kid at heart
Secret talent: I’m a pretty strong swimmer, went to States and ocean lifeguarded growing up
Favorite superhero: the Cavity Commando, our mascot!
Favorite Disney Character: Cinderella
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Vacation: anywhere with snorkeling!
I love pediatric dentistry because: I love making a difference in children’s health and making going to the dentist a fun and happy experience
Describe yourself in one word: Organized



Kaelene Taijeron:

RDA and Administrative Assistant

Education: Registered dental assistant-ADME school of dental assisting
Credentials/Certifications: Coronal polishing, Radiology, CPR, First aid, N20
Current home: Cookeville, TN
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite dessert: Strawberry Cake
Favorite movie: COCO/ Moana
Secret talent: Singing
Favorite superhero: Wonder Woman
Favorite Disney Character: Moana
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite vacation: Thailand
I love pediatric dentistry because: We get to give kids the best experience while they’re young and show them going to the dentist isn’t so scary at all.
Describe yourself in one word: Dedicated
Favorite animal: Bunnies



Leisha Marcum

Registered Dental Hygienist

Education: Hiuassee College_Graduated in 2015 Associate of applied science.
Credentials/Certifications: RDH, CPR, N20, Local anesthesia
Current home: Cookeville, TN
Favorite food: Lobster
Favorite Dessert: Hot Fudge Brownie
Favorite movie: Harry Potter
Secret talent: I can splice arrows with a crossbow.
Favorite superhero: Aqua man
Favorite Disney character: Princess Anna
Favorite color: pink
Favorite vacation: Honeymoon in Jamaica
I love pediatric dentistry because:I love being able to teach kids how to keep the cavities away.”
Describe yourself in one word: Goofball
Favorite animal: Elephant



Heather Herron

Registered Dental Hygienist

Current home: Baxter
Favorite food: Tacos/Anything with cheese
Favorite movie: Wizard of Oz
Secret talent: Being a great mom
Favorite superhero: Cavity Commando
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse
Favorite color: Tie dye
Favorite vacation: Beach or camping
I love pediatric dentistry because… “I love working with kids, helping them transition from being nervous or scared to love coming to visit us.”
Describe yourself in one word: Simple



Silvia Figueroa

Registered Dental Assistant

Education:
Credentials/ Certifications:
Current home: Cookeville,TN
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite dessert: Ice Cream
Favorite movie: The Count of Monte Cristo
Secret talent: Bilingual
Favorite superhero: Super Woman
Favorite Disney Character: Moana
Favorite color: Burgundy
Favorite vacation: The Beach
I love pediatric dentistry because: I love work with kids and I enjoy being around them. Kids are fun and playful patients.
Describe yourself in one word: Little
Favorite animal: Cheetah


Andrea Hicks

Position: EFDA

Education: Dental learning center RDA Program and UTHSC College of dentistry EFDA Program
Credentials/Certifications: CPR, N20 monitoring, Sealants, Coronal polishing and EFDA restorative
Current home: Jamestown, TN
Favorite Food: Potatoes (Cooked anyway)
Favorite dessert: Butterfinger Cake
Favorite movie: Lilo & Stitch
Secret talent: Making a clover with my tongue
Favorite superhero: Wonder Woman
Favorite Disney Character: Penny Proud
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite vacation: Princess Cays
I love pediatric dentistry because: I love making kids dental visits fun.
Describe yourself in one word: Chill
Favorite animal: Sloth


Brett Sells

Position: RDA/ Administrative Assistant

Education: RDA
Credentials/Certifications: Coronal Polishing and sealants
Current home: Celina, TN
Favorite Food: Homemade Tacos
Favorite dessert: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Favorite movie: Frozen
Secret talent: Baking
Favorite superhero: Captain America
Favorite Disney Character: Elsa
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite vacation: Camping
I love pediatric dentistry because: Kids are the light in life and they’re full of joy.
Describe yourself in one word: Bubbly
Favorite animal: Puppies


Laura Mielzarek

Position: RDA

Education: Registered Dental Assistant
Credentials/ Certifications: Coronal polishing, Radiology, CPR, First Aid, Nitrous monitoring, Sealants
Current home: Cookeville,TN
Favorite Food: Italian Food
Favorite dessert: Tiramissu
Favorite movie: The Pursuit of Happiness
Secret talent: Cook and Dance
Favorite superhero: Wonder Woman
Favorite Disney Character: Elena the Avalor
Favorite Color: Light green
Favorite vacation: Italian Tuscany
I love pediatric dentistry because: I like working and helping children in their first years of life in dental care.
Describe yourself in one word: Responsible
Favorite animal: Ant’s