Melissa - RDH
Melissa is one of our hygienists. She is from Wilkes-Barre and graduated from GAR High School. She earned her dental hygiene degree from Luzerne County Community College (LCCC).
She shows a real passion for working with both special needs patients and children. Melissa’s inspiration for doing what she does is her niece, Leah (in the picture with Melissa). Leah has Down Syndrome. Outside of work, Melissa loves spending time with family, friends, and her 2 dogs, Archie and Rudy.
Rachel - RDH, EFDA
Rachel is another one of our hygienists. She graduated from high school in New York. She earned her dental hygiene degree from Luzerne County Community College (LCCC). She also completed the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant program at LCCC.
Rachel loves working with our most difficult patients. She has a family member with autism, which helped fuel her desire to work with special needs. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and pets, Falcor and Tiny Tim.
Latte - Office Dog
Latte is our beloved office dog. She works full time for treats, pets, and rubber ducks. She has 4 siblings at home (Dunkin, Brew, Peet, Kava). When not at work, her favorite activity is swimming, but also loves chasing her brothers around the house/yard and playing ball. If you don't see her walking around the office, she is most likely taking a nap at the front desk or in her kennel. Watch your rubber ducks! She has been known to steal them and store them in her kennel!
Ana - Reception
Ana is our receptionist.
She graduated from GAR High School. She then got her Associates Degree in Medical Assisting from McCann.
Ana started working in the dental field in 2013 and has been working with Dr. Holena since 2017. She loves the personal interactions she has with patients and caregivers. Ana is bilingual, being fluent in both English and Spanish.
When not working at Special Care Smiles, Ana loves spending time with family and her pets.
Ana looks forward to greeting you!
Peet & Kava - Office Dogs
Peet and Kava are our other office dogs. They are both 1 year old and are related.
Peet is our class clown. He has multiple nicknames, including "Doof" and "Pickle Peet." He retrieves anything that lands on the floor. He is a frisbee dog in the making.
Kava is a world class snuggler and hugger. She will most likely greet you with a hug. She is ball obsessed and lives for swimming and dock jumping.
Cherie - RDH
Cherie is originally from Syracuse, NY. She started her dental career as an assistant, but decided she wanted to do hygiene. She moved to this area to attend hygiene school at Luzerne County Community College. She graduated in 2012 and has been working as a hygienist since.
Cherie has experience with patients of all ages. She truly enjoys cleaning teeth and educating patients.
Outside of the office, Cherie enjoys traveling and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Kiki.
Amanda - EFDA
Amanda is a full time EFDA. She graduated from Luzerne County Community College in 2015.
In her free time, Amanda loves spending time with her husband (high school sweetheart, Lenny) and daughter (Bryleigh). They love being outdoors and enjoy camping every weekend during the summer.
Amber - EFDA
Amber is a part time EFDA. She earned her EFDA license in 2013 after studying at Fortis Institute. Fixing teeth and helping patients overcome dental obstacles is the most fulfilling career. She is very happy to join the Special Care Smiles team. Outside of work, Amber spends her time with her husband, two children, cats, and dogs. She enjoys hiking, painting, and playing video games.